Central Nova News

The city of Alexandria is taking steps to address the extreme heat forecasted for this weekend. The National Weather Service has predicted near-record-high temperatures, leading to the cancellation of the Portside in Old Town Summer Festival on Saturday, June 22.

However, the ALX Jazz Fest @ Portside will proceed as planned on Friday, June 21, from 6 to 9 p.m., with additional heat mitigation measures in place. Attendees can expect water availability from food vendors and onsite medical professionals.

The anticipated high temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Residents are advised to drink plenty of water before temperatures rise to prevent dehydration.

In response to the weather conditions, Alexandria's Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) has announced extended hours at cooling centers and changes to weekend programming. Libraries will maintain regular hours throughout the weekend without event cancellations.

At Charles Houston Recreation Center on Saturday, June 22, the Juneteenth Celebration will be held entirely indoors. On Sunday, June 23, extended hours are scheduled: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., cooling center staffing only; from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., regular programming; and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., cooling center staffing only.

Patrick Henry Recreation Center will also extend its hours on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering cooling center staffing without programs or sports activities during this time. Outdoor programming scheduled for Friday through Sunday will be moved indoors where feasible.

Residents are encouraged to learn about signs of heat illnesses such as heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting and dizziness which may indicate heat exhaustion. Symptoms like extremely high body temperature or confusion may suggest a heat stroke requiring immediate medical attention by calling 9-1-1.

For more information on cooling centers and facility hours visit alexandriava.gov/RPCA or tune into local media for updates. For disability accommodations contact Katie Bishop at Katie.Bishop@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-4644; Virginia Relay is available at dial code "711". Language assistance services can be accessed via LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or by calling phone number "703-746-3960".

As part of Alexandria’s ongoing commemoration of its founding anniversary celebrations themed “Alexandria at '275',” residents are invited join events marking this milestone year between April through September detailed online at alexandriava.gov/ALX275