With near-record temperatures expected this weekend, the City of Charleston urges all residents to take heat safety precautions and utilize public cooling facilities available across the region. 

According to the National Weather Service, Charleston is expected to see extreme heat through Sunday, with heat-index values approaching or exceeding 105 degrees Fahrenheit: 

• Friday, July 25: Mostly sunny and humid, high of 93°F 
• Saturday, July 26: Partly sunny, high of 97°F 
• Sunday, July 27: Mostly sunny, high of 98°F 

Prolonged exposure to these temperatures increases the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly for children, older adults, and those with health vulnerabilities.

Public Cooling Resources 

Public Pools 
 (All city pools are open to residents; hours vary by location. Please call ahead to confirm schedules.) 

• Martin Luther King Jr. Pool — Indoor, year-round pool, downtown Charleston. Phone: 843‑724‑7346 
• W.L. Stephens Pool — Indoor year-round pool, West Ashley. Phone: 843‑769‑8261 
• Herbert Hassell Pool — Outdoor seasonal pool, downtown Charleston. Phone: 843‑724‑7344 
• James Island Pool — Outdoor seasonal pool, 1088 Quail Drive. Phone: 843‑795‑5678 

Air-Conditioned Recreation Centers 
 (All facilities offer seating, water fountains and shaded or indoor respite.) 

• James Island Recreation Complex  
• Bees Landing Recreation Center  
• Daniel Island Recreation Center 
• Arthur W. Christopher Community Center  
• St. Julian Devine Community Center 
• Shaw Community Center 

Hope Center (Day Resource Center) 
 529 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29403 
 Open Monday–Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon; closed other days.  
 Services include cold water, showers, laundry, mail/phone access, hygiene supplies, clothing, food pantry, internet access, case management, and peer-support services. 

Heat Safety Tips 

• Drink 8 ounces of water every 15–20 minutes 
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours 
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing 
• Never leave children or pets in vehicles 
• Check on neighbors, especially older adults and those without air conditioning 
• Verify facility hours in advance due to possible schedule variations 

Additional Resources 

Residents can find nearby cooling facilities—including pools, recreation centers, and the Hope Center—using the city’s interactive cooling center map (click icons for hours and amenities). 

The city encourages residents to review the Lowcountry Heat Action Plan Toolkit, developed in partnership with MUSC, The Citadel, South Carolina Sea Grant, and other organizations. It offers guidance on heat hazards, health signs and safety planning.