City opens air-conditioned shelters, libraries amid extreme-heat warning
The City of Birmingham has opened a series of cooling stations and shelters as an Extreme Heat Warning impacts central Alabama, officials said. The move comes as forecasts call for daytime highs near 100°F and heat index values that could push toward 113° on the worst days this week.
“Heat index values potentially reaching 113°.”
Weather authorities placed much of central Alabama under a First Warning Alert Day and an Extreme Heat Warning, noting sustained risk through midweek. Local forecasts predict temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s with heat index values commonly between 105 and 110 degrees, raising concern about heat-related illness for people who lack access to air conditioning, or who must work or spend extended time outdoors.
Where to go for relief in Birmingham
City officials listed multiple sites across Birmingham that are open to anyone who needs a cool place during the heat event. Hours vary by location; some sites are open daily while others operate on select days or restricted hours. Media and residents were encouraged to check hours before arriving.
- Downtown: Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place — open Mondays, Wednesdays–Saturdays 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Tuesdays 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
- North Birmingham: North Birmingham Library, 2501 31st Ave. North — Mondays–Fridays 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Tuesdays 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Southside and East: Southside Library, 1814 11th Ave. South — Mondays–Fridays 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Woodlawn Library, 5709 1st Ave. North — Mondays–Fridays 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Other partner sites: Faith Chapel Care Center, Pathways, Firehouse Ministries, Five Points West Library, One Roof and the Harrison Recreation Center — varied schedules.
Selected shelter hours
To help residents plan, below are hours for several of the locations the city identified:
| Location | Address | Hours (as listed) |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Public Library (Downtown) | 2100 Park Place | Mon, Wed–Sat: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Tue: 9 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| North Birmingham Library | 2501 31st Ave. North | Mon–Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Tue: 9 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Southside Library | 1814 11th Ave. South | Mon–Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| Harrison Recreation Center | 901 17th St. SW | Mon–Thu: 12 p.m.–5:30 p.m.; Fri–Sun: 12 p.m.–5:30 p.m. (varied daily schedule) |
Who should consider using a cooling station
Health officials urge people who are elderly, have chronic medical conditions, are pregnant, very young, or who work outdoors to seek cool, air-conditioned spaces during periods of extreme heat. The combination of high humidity and high temperatures raises the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can develop rapidly.
Community partners in Birmingham — including faith-based organizations and nonprofit service providers — are also running cooling opportunities on limited schedules. Examples listed by the city include Faith Chapel Care Center at 921 2nd Ave. North, Pathways at 409 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, and Firehouse Ministries at 626 2nd Ave. North. These sites may operate on select days or have shorter hours than libraries and rec centers.
Officials noted that the heat alerts are likely to remain in place through midweek and that residents should monitor local weather updates and advisories. When outdoors, people are advised to stay hydrated, limit strenuous activity during peak heat hours and check on neighbors who may be vulnerable.
The city encourages anyone who needs a cool place to visit one of the listed locations and to contact service providers directly for the most up-to-date hours and any access requirements.
