Cooling centers open in Greater Lansing due to extreme heat

LANSING — Cooling centers in Greater Lansing will open Tuesday due to extreme temperatures predicted for the rest of the week. 

Meteorologists are predicting heat index temperatures will climb toward triple digits by Thursday, and highs are in the low- to mid-90s until Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. 

Tuesday and Wednesday's predicted high is 92, and heat and humidity will increase throughout the week, according to the weather service. The end of the week will be slightly cooler, with a high of 87 Friday and Saturday. 

The city of Lansing urged people to spend at least a few hours in a cool place while the weather is this hot. This is most important for people who work outdoors, small children, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. 

Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are required within the cooling center, according to a news release from the city. Everyone who enters will be screened for symptoms of the virus. 

Free rides to cooling centers are available through CATA and EATRAN to people with a physical or financial need. EATRAN is not charging a fare throughout July, but the bus is only running at half-capacity. Masks are required. 

To learn if you qualify for a free ride through CATA, call 211. 

Cooling centers are located at: 

• Capital Area Salvation Army, 525 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., no pets are allowed
• Allen Neighborhood Center, 1619 E. Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., no pets are allowed
• Bath American Legion Post 412, 5480 Clark Road, Bath, open 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., no pets are allowed
• Elsie United Methodist Church, 160 W. Main Street, Elsie, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., no pets are allowed
• St. Johns First Baptist Church, 512 S. Whittemore Street, St. Johns, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., leashed pets are allowed
• All Greater Lansing Meijers, open 6 a.m. to midnight, no pets are allowed
• Lansing Mall, 5330 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing, open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., leashed pets are allowed

Contact reporter Kara Berg at 517-377-1113 or kberg@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @karaberg95.