Calvert, St. Mary’s, And Charles Counties Open Cooling Centers During Heat Advisory
CALIFORNIA, Md. – As dangerous heat index values climb into the triple digits, officials across Southern Maryland are activating cooling centers through at least Friday evening to help residents cope with the prolonged heat wave.
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from 11 a.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Friday, with heat index values expected to reach between 105 and 110 degrees in Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Charles counties. In response, libraries, community centers, and partner organizations are opening their doors to provide air-conditioned spaces, cold water, and temporary relief from the extreme conditions.
In Calvert County, all four public library branches and multiple community centers are available to the public during normal hours. The Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center in Prince Frederick remains open daily for recreation and heat relief, and officials say hours may be adjusted based on conditions.
Calvert County Cooling Centers:
- Calvert Library – Fairview Branch, Owings
- Calvert Library – Prince Frederick Branch, Prince Frederick
- Calvert Library – Southern Branch, Solomons
- Calvert Library – Twin Beaches Branch, North Beach
- Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center, Prince Frederick
- Harriet E. Brown Community Center, Prince Frederick
- Mt. Hope Community Center, Sunderland
- Northeast Community Center, Chesapeake Beach
- Southern Community Center, Lusby
Calvert emergency management officials continue to urge residents to limit outdoor activity during peak hours, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
In St. Mary’s County, cooling centers are open Thursday and Friday, with services available at libraries, senior activity centers, and nonprofit organizations throughout the county. The Three Oaks Center and St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen are also open for those in need.
St. Mary’s County Cooling Centers:
- Lexington Park Library, Lexington Park
- Leonardtown Library, Leonardtown
- Charlotte Hall Library, Charlotte Hall
- Garvey Senior Activity Center, Leonardtown
- Loffler Senior Activity Center, Great Mills
- Northern Senior Activity Center, Charlotte Hall
- Three Oaks Center, Lexington Park
- St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen, Great Mills
The county recommends checking stmaryscountymd.gov/em for the latest hours, updates, and emergency alerts.
In Charles County, cooling centers remain open during regular business hours at public libraries, senior centers, and community buildings. LifeStyles of Maryland in White Plains is operating as a shelter option during daytime hours. For after-hours emergencies, temporary shelter may be arranged through the Maryland State Police La Plata Barracks.
Charles County Cooling Centers:
- La Plata Library Branch, La Plata
- Waldorf West Library Branch, Waldorf
- P.D. Brown Memorial Library Branch, Waldorf
- Potomac Library Branch, Indian Head
- Port Tobacco Community Center, Port Tobacco
- Nanjemoy Community Center, Nanjemoy
- Richard R. Clark Senior Center, La Plata
- LifeStyles of Maryland, White Plains
After-Hours Emergency Shelter:
- Maryland State Police La Plata Barracks – Lobby only (for temporary hold while arranging shelter)
Officials across all three counties are also reminding residents to never leave children or pets in parked cars. Even with windows cracked, interior temperatures can reach 130 degrees in a matter of minutes—posing a life-threatening risk.
As the region battles consecutive days of extreme heat, residents are urged to take safety seriously and check in on elderly neighbors, those with medical conditions, and anyone without reliable cooling. Pets should be kept indoors or provided with shade and water.
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