US cities have increased their efforts to establish cooling centres this summer in response to a rise in extreme heatwaves. Despite these efforts, public agencies are struggling to encourage people to use the air-conditioned spaces.
Lower-income individuals, who may lack or be unable to afford air conditioning, face a greater risk of heat-related illness or death. Public agencies in the US are focusing their outreach on these populations.
However, experts indicate that many still remain outdoors or at home. Factors contributing to this include the commute length to a centre, a belief that the extreme heat is not particularly dangerous, and a reluctance to seek public assistance.
The continental US experienced its second-hottest first half of the year on record in 2026. This has led to a spike in heat-related illnesses and deaths in affected areas. For example, New York saw 156 emergency room visits for heat-related illnesses on 3 July, the highest number since at least 2017.
In New York, officials added 23 cooling centres to the city's network, averaging 585 open on weekdays this year compared to 560 last year. Maine has also increased its cooling centre availability, with the government opening over 100 centres during stretches this year and last, up from about 60 to 70 in previous summers.