Cooling Centers Open Thursday as Heat Index Nears 106°
Queen Anne's County, MD - Queen Anne's County is opening several cooling centers this Thursday, September 3, 2026 as a Heat Advisory brings the heat index up to somewhere between 103 and 106 degrees.
That kind of heat can be tough on anyone, especially those without reliable air conditioning. County officials want to make sure everyone has a safe, cool place to go.
Four different groups are stepping up to help. The Department of Aging and Transportation, the Queen Anne's County Library, Ink or Dye Studio, and the Queen Anne's County Family YMCA will all open their doors to the public for the day.
The Department of Aging and Transportation will have three senior centers open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Those are the Sudlersville Senior Center on Foxxtown Road, the Grasonville Senior Center on Main Street, and the Kent Island Senior Center on Love Point Road in Stevensville. All three are open to any community member looking for relief from the heat.
Queen Anne's County Library branches will stay open a little longer to give folks extra time to cool down. The Centreville branch on Commerce Street and the Kent Island branch on Library Circle in Stevensville will both be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Both spots are air conditioned and open to the public.
Ink or Dye Studio in Centreville is joining the effort as well. The studio, located on North Commerce Street, will welcome visitors from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Queen Anne's County Family YMCA on Vincit Street in Centreville will open during two separate windows, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone planning to use the YMCA as a cooling center will need to bring a valid ID and sign a waiver at the door.
With temperatures this high, county officials are encouraging residents to check on elderly neighbors and family members who may not have air conditioning at home. Drinking plenty of water and limiting time outdoors during the hottest part of the day can also help prevent heat related illness. Anyone who needs a break from the heat Thursday is welcome to visit one of these locations.
