CALIFORNIA, Md. – With the National Weather Service issuing an excessive heat warning across the region, local officials in Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Charles counties are urging residents to seek refuge in designated cooling centers as the heat index climbs into the triple digits.
In Calvert County, where temperatures are expected to surpass 90 degrees, cooling centers are now open to the public during standard operating hours. Libraries and community centers throughout the county are offering air-conditioned relief and access to drinking water. For those seeking recreation while keeping cool, the Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center remains open daily. Officials noted hours may be extended if conditions worsen.
Calvert County Cooling Centers:
- Calvert Library – Fairview Branch, Owings
- Calvert Library – Prince Frederick Branch, Prince Frederick
- Calvert Library – Southern Branch, Solomons
- Calvert Library – Twin Beaches Branch, North Beach
- Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center, Prince Frederick
- Harriet E. Brown Community Center, Prince Frederick
- Mt. Hope Community Center, Sunderland
- Northeast Community Center, Chesapeake Beach
- Southern Community Center, Lusby
Calvert officials are urging residents to take heat precautions, including staying indoors during peak hours, wearing light clothing, and staying hydrated. Pet owners are reminded never to leave animals in parked vehicles and to provide shade and cold water at all times.
In St. Mary’s County, cooling centers are open through at least Thursday to help residents cope with heat indexes as high as 109 degrees. Libraries, senior activity centers, and community aid organizations are participating.
St. Mary’s County Cooling Centers:
- Lexington Park Library, Lexington Park
- Garvey Senior Activity Center, Leonardtown
- Leonardtown Library, Leonardtown
- Loffler Senior Activity Center, Great Mills
- Northern Senior Activity Center, Charlotte Hall
- Charlotte Hall Library, Charlotte Hall
- Three Oaks Center, Lexington Park
- St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen, Great Mills
County officials are encouraging the public to check on neighbors, especially elderly residents or those with medical needs. Daily updates and emergency resources are available at stmaryscountymd.gov/em.
In Charles County, community centers, senior centers, and libraries are available during regular hours. LifeStyles of Maryland in White Plains is also offering daytime shelter. For urgent after-hours situations, the Maryland State Police La Plata Barracks offers limited temporary shelter while transportation arrangements are made.
Charles County Cooling Centers:
- Port Tobacco Community Center, Port Tobacco
- Nanjemoy Community Center, Nanjemoy
- Richard R. Clark Senior Center, La Plata
- La Plata Library Branch, La Plata
- P.D. Brown Memorial Library Branch, Waldorf
- Potomac Library Branch, Indian Head
- Waldorf West Library Branch, Waldorf
- LifeStyles Center, White Plains
After-Hours Emergency Shelter:
- Maryland State Police La Plata Barracks, La Plata (Lobby use only; temporary hold while arranging shelter)
With the summer heat intensifying, all three counties are emphasizing readiness and safety. Residents are encouraged to monitor local government websites, use emergency alert apps, and prepare for prolonged heat.
For more on extreme heat safety, visit ready.gov/heat. Local updates and alerts are also available through the Calvert Prepare mobile app and other county communication channels.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
