Olmsted County shares tips to stay safe in the heat this week

  • News
  • Jul 22, 2025

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Olmsted County from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, with dangerously high temperatures expected. 

Olmsted County is reminding everyone to take precautions to stay safe in the heat. The health and well-being of our residents is a top priority, and we encourage everyone to take steps to stay cool, hydrated, and informed. 

Health and safety tips 

Olmsted County Public Health Services recommends taking the following steps to prevent heat-related illnesses: 

  • Use air-conditioning or spend time in air-conditioned spaces such as libraries, malls, community centers, or movie theaters. 
  • Limit time outdoors and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours. 
  • Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors if you must be outside. 
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol. 
  • Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. 
  • Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature. 
  • Check on neighbors, friends, and family, especially older adults, young children, and those with underlying health conditions. 
  • Never leave children or pets in a parked car—even with the windows open or the air conditioning running. 
  • Keep pets cool by limiting exercise to early morning or evening hours and bring them indoors whenever possible. 

Free swimming beach available 

To help beat the heat, residents are encouraged to visit the Chester Woods Park swimming beach. The beach is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

City of Rochester cooling resources 

The City of Rochester is offering the following resources to help residents stay cool: 

  • Rochester Public Library 
    Open Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The library is air-conditioned and available to the public as a place to cool off during extreme heat. 
  • Free Rochester Public Transit (RPT) bus rides 
    For the entire service day on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, individuals who need relief from the extreme heat can let an RPT driver know they need to cool down, and they will be allowed to board the bus at no cost—no fare will be charged.  

Please stay informed and take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones during this period of extreme heat.