Denver Expands Cooling Resources Amid Prolonged Heat

Denver Expands Cooling Resources Amid Prolonged Heat

Published on August 03, 2026

With high temperatures persisting and a heat advisory issued for today, Aug. 3, the City of Denver is expanding available resources and encouraging residents to take precautions to protect their health.

To support community members, especially those most vulnerable, Denver is adding outreach workers across the city to supply residents with water and ensure they know of available cooling resources and services. Several recreation centers are open until 8 p.m. tonight to provide residents with a safe place to stay cool.

Individuals in need of overnight shelter are encouraged to seek out resources through the Department of Housing Stability's (HOST) Find Shelter webpage. As extreme heat continues, residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, friends, and family, especially older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, and anyone without access to air conditioning. A quick check-in can help ensure community members stay safe, hydrated, and aware of available cooling options.

Cooling Centers
Denver Parks and Recreation will open all currently operating recreation centers as daytime cooling centers during regular business hours. Each site offers a designated cooling area with drinking water, restrooms, and seating.

The following rec centers are open until at least 8 p.m. tonight:

Athmar Recreation Center
2680 W Mexico Ave.

Carla Madison Recreation Center
2401 E. Colfax Ave.

Central Park Recreation Center
9651 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.

Montbello Recreation Center
15555 E 53rd Ave.

Montclair Recreation Center
729 Ulster Way

Rude Recreation Center
2855 W. Holden Place

Scheitler Recreation Center
5031 W 46th Ave

Washington Park Recreation Center
701 S Franklin St.
Residents can also call 720-865-5444 for real-time information on cooling center availability.

Health Risks & Warning Signs
High temperatures can increase your body's core temperature and lead to serious illness. Early symptoms of heat-related illness include muscle cramps, dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and dry or cracked lips. More severe symptoms-such as red or hot skin, rapid pulse, confusion, fainting, or loss of consciousness-require immediate medical attention. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

Tips to Stay Safe During Extreme Heat
• Stay indoors in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible
• Drink more water than usual-don't wait until you're thirsty
• Fans alone will not prevent heat illness; take cool showers or baths
• Avoid using ovens or stoves, which can increase indoor temperatures
• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks
• Limit outdoor activity, especially mid-day
• Be aware of medication side effects; some increase heat related risks

If You Must Be Outside
• Wear sunscreen and reapply frequently
• Pace yourself and rest often
• Watch for muscle cramping-an early sign of heat-related illness
• Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat

Priority Populations
Certain groups face higher risk during extreme heat, including:
• Older adults (65+)
• Children under age 2
• People experiencing homelessness
• Individuals with chronic medical conditions
• People with disabilities
• Pregnant individuals
• Residents without access to air conditioning
• People who use drugs

Outreach teams are actively engaging people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, sharing information about heat risks and helping them access cooling centers and shelter. Denver's shelter network offers safe, weather-protected environments along with case management and supportive services. For information on day and overnight shelter options for individuals and families, visit www.denvergov.org/findshelter.

Pet Safety
Denver Animal Protection reminds residents never to leave pets in vehicles. If you suspect an animal is suffering heatstroke:
• Move the animal to a cooler area.
• Cool them with water or ice packs placed on the stomach only.
• Offer cool drinking water-do not force it.
• Do not dunk the pet in water or confine them.
Even if they appear to recover, they must be evaluated by an emergency veterinarian.

If you see a dog in a hot car, immediately call 311 or Denver Animal Protection at 720-913-2080. Denver's Good Samaritan law provides legal immunity to individuals who break a car window to save an animal under specific conditions.

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