Denver to activate cooling centers amid extreme heat Thursday

FILE PHOTO: Art Toledo plays fetch with his dog, Awesome Brown Dog, in the South Platte at Commons Park in Denver on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. Temperatures are expected to reach 100 degrees Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. (Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Stephen Swofford / Denver Gazette
Denver Parks and Recreation opened all recreation centers for daytime cooling during business hours Thursday in light of a heat advisory for the metro Denver area.
Each center will have a designated area available for cooling, including access to drinking water, bathrooms and places to sit, according to a news release from the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment.
In light of the high temperatures and increased demand, Xcel Energy notified customers in the Denver area via text message around 3:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon that they should conserve electricity until 10 p.m.
Additionally, Denver Public Library locations will be available to members of the public looking to get out of the heat, according to the release. People can also call 720-865-5444 to learn about the status of cooling centers.
Highs will reach near 99 degrees in some parts of the metro Denver area on Thursday, with a heat advisory going into effect at 10 a.m. that will remain in place until 9 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
Denver weather: Heat advisory and near record highs Thursday possible for much of I-25 corridor
High temperatures can cause illness if your body is unable to dissipate the heat effectively. Adults 65 or older, children under 2, those experiencing homelessness, pregnant individuals and those with chronic medical conditions and/or disabilities are especially prone to heat-related illnesses and should take extra precautions.
Additionally, people should be wary of leaving pets alone in their vehicles, as they can also be prone to heatstroke. If you see a dog in a hot car you are asked to call 311 or Denver Animal Protection at 720-913-2080.