An Excessive Heat Watch has been issued for northwest Ohio, in effect from this (Thursday) afternoon through Saturday, with high temperatures reaching the upper 90s and heat indices from around 105 to 110 degrees possible.
The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible for those spending prolonged periods outside or in non-air conditioned locations. Prolonged heat is most dangerous for young children and the elderly, and car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in just minutes.
Due to the Excessive Heat Watch, the following locations are available to the public as Cooling Centers for today through Saturday:
The Defiance Area YMCA in air conditioned areas only on all three days, with operating hours of 11am to 8pm.
The Northtowne Mall in Defiance all three days from 10am to 9pm.
The Defiance County Senior Center on Thursday and Friday only from 8am to 7pm. Transportation is available for anyone over 60 years of age.
The VFW on North Clinton Street in Defiance from 11am to 8pm all three days.
The Hicksville Community Hospital is available all three days as a cooling center.
The Defiance Public Library on Thursday from 9am to 8pm, Friday from 9am to 6pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
The Johnson Memorial Library in Hicksville on Friday from 10am to 6pm and Saturday from 10am to 1pm.
The Sherwood Branch Library in Sherwood from 10am to 5:30pm Thursday and 10am to 1pm on Saturday.
And the Northwest State Community College campus on Thursday from 7am to 10pm and Friday from 7am to noon.