Lexington, KY, August 16, 2025
News Summary
In response to forecasted temperatures exceeding 105 degrees, Lexington has activated phase one of its extreme heat plan. This initiative aims to provide relief for residents, particularly vulnerable populations, by offering free transportation to cooling stations and distributing vital cooling kits. Community centers will also open in the evenings, assisting those seeking shelter from the heat. The city is prepared to monitor conditions and expand resources if necessary to protect public health and safety during this heat wave.
Lexington Activates Phase One of Extreme Heat Plan As Temperatures Expected to Soar Above 105 Degrees
Lexington has activated phase one of its extreme heat plan, starting Saturday and continuing through Tuesday, following forecasts that predict the heat index will exceed 105 degrees during this period. The city aims to provide relief and ensure safety for residents, particularly those at higher risk during these scorching temperatures.
As part of this initiative, free transportation will be available to cooling stations for individuals experiencing homelessness, facilitated by LexTran services. Community centers, including Dunbar, Kenwick, Castlewood, and Tates Creek, will open their doors in the early evening hours, offering respite from the oppressive heat.
The city will also distribute supplies such as “Beat the Heat” cooling kits, which will include cooling towels, reusable water bottles, electrolyte powder, sunscreen, aloe, and valuable information on how to stay cool. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these resources to mitigate the health risks associated with extreme heat.
In addition to the expansion of cooling services, city waste collection will occur earlier than usual, with residential services starting at 4:30 a.m. and commercial services at 3:30 a.m.. Citizens are advised to place their waste carts on the curb the night before collection to ensure timely pickup.
Cooling Stations and Availability
Multiple cooling stations will be operating throughout Lexington, providing safe spaces for residents to escape the heat. The locations of these cooling stations include:
- Arbor Youth Services
- Lexington Rescue Mission
- Mountain Comprehensive Care Center
- New Life Day Center
- New Vista Drop-In Center
- Nathaniel Mission
- Recovery Café Lexington
City officials will continuously monitor weather conditions and may expand resources if necessary. The heat plan is typically activated when temperatures reach at least 95 degrees or when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory. The ongoing forecast predicts daily high temperatures of at least 90 degrees from Saturday through Thursday, with the Ohio Valley facing a greater than 60% chance of extreme heat by Wednesday.
Potential for Further Actions
If conditions worsen, the city plans to activate phase two of the heat plan if a heat watch is issued. This phase could include additional measures like discounted pool admissions and the opening of another cooling center. Phase three will be implemented if a heat warning persists for three or more days, prompting the establishment of more community cooling centers. The final phase will involve deactivating the plan once temperatures return to safe levels.
Health Precautions
Heat stress can lead to serious health risks, including heat-related illnesses. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and be aware of potential symptoms of heat-related conditions such as heat stroke and exhaustion. Last year’s activation of the heat plan resulted in about 20 calls related to heat-related illnesses, emphasizing the importance of taking preventive measures.
For further information on handling extreme heat, residents can visit the Lexington Emergency Management website, which provides additional resources and guidelines.
FAQ
What is the extreme heat plan in Lexington?
The extreme heat plan is a city initiative activated when temperatures reach 95 degrees or a heat advisory is issued, providing resources and support for residents during extreme heat conditions.
When is the heat plan activated?
Phase one of the heat plan is activated from Saturday to Tuesday due to forecasted temperatures exceeding 105 degrees.
What resources are available during the heat wave?
Resources include free transportation to cooling stations, the opening of community centers, and distribution of cooling kits.
Where can cooling stations be found?
Cooling stations are located at sites including Arbor Youth Services, Lexington Rescue Mission, and more throughout the city.
What should residents do to stay safe during extreme heat?
Residents should stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and be aware of signs of heat-related illnesses.
Key Features of the Heat Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Activation Dates | Saturday to Tuesday |
| Heat Index Forecast | Exceeding 105 degrees |
| Free Transportation | Available for the homeless to cooling stations |
| Community Centers Open | Dunbar, Kenwick, Castlewood, Tates Creek |
| Cooling Kit Contents | Cooling towels, water bottles, electrolyte powder, sunscreen, aloe |
| Waste Collection Times | Residential: 4:30 a.m., Commercial: 3:30 a.m. |
| Heat-Related Calls Last Year | About 20 calls |
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Additional Resources
- LEX18
- Wikipedia: Extreme Heat
- Fox 56 News
- Google Search: Extreme Heat Safety
- Kentucky.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heat Stroke
- WKYT
- Google News: Lexington Heat Plan
- Fox 56 News Update
- Google Scholar: Heat Related Illnesses
- WTVQ
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
