Important reminders from Olmsted County and the City of Rochester during times of excessive heat

  • News
  • Aug 25, 2024

With the health and safety of community members a top priority and due to extremely hot weather expected today and tomorrow, the City of Rochester and Olmsted County remind residents of ways to beat the heat.

  • Rochester Public Library is open today, Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Monday.
  • The following beaches in Rochester and Olmsted County are free to the public:
    • Foster Arend Park (4051 E. River Road NE, Rochester) is open from Noon – 8 p.m.
    • Cascade Lake Beach (88 23rd Avenue SW, Rochester) is open from 6 a.m. to dusk.
    • The swimming beach at Chester Woods Park is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Rochester Public Transit (RPT) is activating the “Cool Place to Be” program, which offers free rides to people seeking refuge from the conditions, today (Heat Advisory) and tomorrow (Excessive Heat Warning). Let an RPT driver know you are looking for a “cool place to be,” and no fare will be charged. Be aware that not all buses return on the same route, so please check with the driver to be sure you do not wind up far from home.
  • Salvation Army’s Community Center (20 1st Ave NE, Rochester) is open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Public health officials encourage residents to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and utilizing air-conditioning. If air-conditioning is not available, seek public buildings during the heat of the day such as libraries and community centers, malls, and movie theaters. Children and pets should not be left unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows rolled down, even for a few minutes.

Quick tips

  • Use air-conditioning or spend time in air-conditioned locations.
  • Limit your time outdoors, including outdoor activities such as sports, lawn mowing, and home improvement projects.
  • Take frequent breaks if you must be outside.
  • Minimize direct exposure to the sun.
  • Stay hydrated – drink water or nonalcoholic fluids.
  • Take a cool bath or shower.
  • Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes.
  • Check on your neighbors, friends, and family members – especially those who are older and/or have health issues.
  • Do not leave pets inside a parked car, not even with the car running and air conditioner on. Limit exercise to early morning or evening hours and consider bringing animals inside where they can cool off.