City of McAllen Urges Residents to Take Precautions as Summer Heat Arrives Early

As temperatures begin to rise earlier than expected, the City of McAllen is reminding residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from the dangers of extreme heat.

Heat-related illnesses can strike quickly, particularly among vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and individuals who spend extended time outdoors. With the early arrival of summer conditions, city officials encourage everyone to stay informed and take proactive steps to stay safe.

Tips for staying safe during extreme heat:

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.
  Limit outdoor activities: Take frequent breaks in the shade or stay indoors, especially during peak heat hours.
• Wear light clothing: Choose loose-fitting, breathable fabrics to help your body stay cool.
• Never leave children or pets in vehicles: Temperatures inside a parked car can become dangerously high within minutes.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion: Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, and headaches. If you experience any of these, seek shade, drink water, and cool off immediately.

In response to the increased heat risks, the City of McAllen announces the following locations as seasonal cooling centers to provide residents with needed relief from the hot weather.

• McAllen Public Library, 4001 N 23rd St, McAllen, TX 78504, (956) 681-3000
  Mon–Thu: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Fri–Sat: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Sun: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
• Lark Community Center, 2601 Lark Ave, McAllen, TX 78504, (956) 681-3340
  Mon–Thu: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Fri: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sat: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
• Las Palmas Community Center, 1921 N 25th St, McAllen, TX 78501, (956) 688-3350
  Mon–Fri: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Palmview Community Center, 3401 Jordan Rd W, McAllen, TX 78503, (956) 681-3360
  Mon–Thu: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Fri: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sat: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

“We want to ensure that our community is prepared and informed as we face higher temperatures,” said McAllen Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Johnston. “Let’s beat the heat and take care of ourselves and each other.”

Residents are encouraged to follow the City of McAllen’s social media pages and website for further updates, safety information, and resources throughout the summer.