High temperatures forecast for Wichita. Here’s where you can escape heat and cool off

Lindsay Smith
·2 min read

This week is forecast to bring dangerous temperatures to Wichita, but there are several city facilities available to those in need of a place to cool off.

The National Weather Service forecasts Wednesday and Thursday to be this year’s first 100-degree days in the city, with a high of 103 degrees Wednesday and 102 degrees Thursday.

You should always have a plan to stay cool during exceedingly high temperatures. For those needing to get out of the summer heat in Wichita, spokesperson Megan Lovely said city facilities will be open for people to step out of the heat.

“Residents are encouraged to stay inside as much as possible, hydrate regularly, and ensure pets also have access to shelter and water,” she said in an email to the Eagle.

Here’s where to go in Wichita if you get caught out in the heat or have few options.

Where to go to cool off in Wichita, Kansas

Wichita’s neighborhood resource centers are open Monday through Friday and offer air conditioning and water. The locations and hours are:

  • Atwater Neighborhood Resource Center, 2755 E 19th St N.; open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5:30 p.m.

  • Colvin Neighborhood Resource Center, 2820 S Roosevelt St.; open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5:30 p.m.

  • Evergreen Community Center and Library, 2601 N. Arkansas; open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

All Wichita Public Library locations are another option if you need to get out of the summer heat. Here’s a list of the locations of the branches and their hours Wednesday and Thursday:

  • Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd; open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian; open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st Street; open from 1 to 6 p.m.

  • Evergreen Community Center and Library, 2601 N. Arkansas; open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th; open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Walter’s Branch Library, 4195 E. Harry; open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For a more detailed look at its hours, visit the Wichita Public Library’s website.

Wichita Parks and Recreation centers are also open to the public, Lovely said. You can find all locations and hours on Wichita Parks and Recreation’s website.

If you want a fun way to cool off, you can visit any of the city’s pools and splash pads. The city’s 12 splash pads are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can offer a respite for children.