Fairfax County opened cooling centers across the region on Wednesday, July 15, after activating its Heat Plan in response to a National Weather Service Heat Advisory with heat index values forecast near 105°F in the D.C. area.
The advisory took effect at 11 a.m. and runs through 8 p.m. Wednesday. The National Weather Service forecast called for a high of 101°F in the Vienna and Fairfax area with sunny skies and a west wind of 7 to 10 mph.
All county libraries, recreation centers, community centers and human services regional offices are serving as cooling centers during their normal operating hours, according to Jill Clark, policy and planning manager for Fairfax County Health and Human Services. County facilities in the Vienna area are included; residents can find specific locations and verify they are open at fairfaxcounty.gov/status.
The centers are stocked with bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellent, body wipes and free Fairfax Connector bus coupons.
The county warned that some facilities may close unexpectedly due to HVAC issues during extreme heat.
Outreach to unsheltered residents
The Heat Plan also deploys outreach workers and partner organizations to check on unsheltered individuals across the county. Supplies are available at shelters, drop-in centers and meal sites, according to the county's emergency information office.
The county described the plan as an effort to move unsheltered residents and people without adequate cooling at home to safe locations to prevent heat-related illness and death.
Part of a broader heat wave
The dangerous heat is not limited to Northern Virginia. More than 128 million Americans were under a heat warning, watch or advisory on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. The D.C. region had already recorded four days at or above 100°F in 2026, tied for the eighth-most in any year since modern records began in 1872.
How to stay safe
County guidance recommends:
- Stay hydrated with water; avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors
- Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles
A full list of cooling center locations and a map are available at fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/extreme-heat-resources.
