Phoenix cooling centers sheltered thousands in record-breaking summer heat

Only one location in Phoenix will continue to provide nighttime heat assistance to those in need as temperatures are expected to reach record-breaking levels through October 7th.

Burton Barr Library offered overnight heat relief for the first time this year, joining three other library locations that have set up after-hours library cooling centers throughout the summer.

It was a popular program. So far, 31,657 visitors have recovered in the cooling centers – and the trend is rising.

“Unfortunately, we are expecting triple digit numbers for the rest of the week as well,” said Matt Salerno, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “We will see daily records being challenged every day.”

Other websites close their doors outside of normal business hours.

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The Cholla, Harmon and Yucca library locations held their final evening chill services on September 30th. Thermal protection services will continue to be provided at all library locations during normal business hours.

According to Phoenix's latest heat report, the Burton Barr visitor group alone recorded between 200 and 1,000 weekly visits during the record-breaking summer.

According to the report, 65% of these are repeat visitors and over 90% of visitors reported being homeless.

For more information about heat relief, visit the Maricopa Association of Governments Heat Relief Network.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cooling centers helped thousands in record-breaking heat in Arizona