News Summary
Savannah has announced the opening of cooling centers to support residents during a severe heat wave that has led to record-breaking temperatures. City community centers, pools, and splashpads will be accessible, providing relief from the scorching heat. Special services for individuals experiencing homelessness will also be available. Residents are encouraged to seek assistance and remain vigilant as temperatures soar to dangerous levels. Safety ordinances are in place for horse-drawn carriages to protect public health during this extreme weather.
Savannah is opening cooling centers to assist residents battling extreme heat as record temperatures are forecasted on Wednesday, July 30. In response to the intense heat wave sweeping across the Southeast, all city community centers, pools, and splashpads are accessible to the public, offering relief from high temperatures.
All community centers will operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at various locations across the city, including:
- Moses Jackson Center: 1410 Richards St.
- Tompkins Regional Center: 2333 Ogeechee Road
- Windsor Forest Regional Center: 414 Briarcliff Circle
- W.W. Law Regional Center: 900 E. Bolton St.
- John S. Delaware Regional Center: 1815 Lincoln St.
City pools will also operate during specific hours to provide a cool respite:
- Bowles C. Ford Pool: 1900 Stiles Ave. (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Daffin Pool: 1301 E. Victory Dr. (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- W.W. Law Pool: 900 E. Bolton St. (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Tompkins Pool: 2333 Ogeechee Road (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Additionally, splashpads across the city will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations:
- Hudson Hill: 2227 Hudson St.
- Hull Park: 55th and Atlantic Ave.
- Crusader Park: 81 Coffee Bluff Villa Rd.
- Forrest Hills: Skidaway and Berkshire Rd.
- Avondale Park: Texas and Ohio Ave.
- Victory Heights Park: E 42nd St and Taskin Ave.
- Savannah Gardens: 516 Pennsylvania Ave.
- Forsyth Park: 10 Whitaker St.
- Tatemville: 333 Coleman St.
- Montgomery Crossroads: 401 W. Montgomery Crossroads.
Special services are also available for individuals experiencing homelessness. Homeless service providers are operating at:
- Union Mission: 120 Fahm St. (8:30 AM to 4:00 PM)
- Salvation Army: 3100 Montgomery St. (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Come As You Are: 1900 Pennsylvania Ave. (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- CSAH Outreach Team: Available from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
Residents needing assistance are encouraged to call 912-784-1794. In addition to cooling services, the city is enforcing equine heat safety ordinances that restrict horse-drawn carriages from operating when the heat index exceeds 110 degrees or actual temperatures hit 95 degrees. Local horse carriage tour businesses have been reminded of these regulations to ensure safety.
The current heat wave affecting Savannah and the Southeast has led to forecasted temperatures reaching 97 F (36 C) with heat index values climbing to 110 F (43 C). Notably, Tampa International Airport recorded its highest temperature ever at 100 F (37.8 C). Regions across the eastern and central United States, including areas from New Jersey to New Orleans and from St. Louis, are currently under extreme heat warnings.
This oppressive heat is not only a discomfort but also poses health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. It has been noted that the recent spike in temperatures is three times more likely due to climate change, which is intensifying extreme weather patterns. Energy use is expected to surge as residents depend heavily on air conditioning to combat the heat.
Signs of relief may be on the horizon with rain forecasted later in the week, which could help lower temperatures and bring respite from the ongoing heat wave.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Extreme Heat Warning Issued for Savannah and Chatham County
Extreme Heat Warning Issued for Savannah Residents
Savannah Takes Action to Combat Severe Heat Wave
Savannah Residents Urged to Prepare for Extreme Heat
Savannah Under Heat Advisory Amid Weather Changes
Heat Advisory Issued for Savannah as Temperatures Soar
Fayetteville Residents Raise Concerns Over QTS Data Center’s Energy Use
Metro Atlanta’s Data Center Growth Faces Water Challenges
Savannah Schools Face Closure After Hurricane Helene
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Heat Wave Continues in Savannah
- Wikipedia: Heat Wave
- Savannah Now: Climate Change and Heat Wave
- Google Search: Climate Change Heat Wave
- WJCL: Heat Wave Alert in Georgia
- Google Scholar: Heat Wave Effects
- USA Today: Chuck Schumer Hospitalized Due to Heat
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heat Dehydration
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham 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 Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
