Weather & seasonal safety
Phoenix and Maricopa County have specific resources for staying safe in extreme heat (May–September) and cold winter nights. Most are coordinated through the regional Heat Relief Network.
Find a cooling center, water, or a ride right now
The Heat Relief Network's live map shows 200+ cooling centers, hydration stations, and donation sites across Maricopa County — with hours, services, and pet-friendly status. Free, no ID required.
View the live map → Call 2-1-1 1-877-211-86612-1-1 can also arrange a free Lyft ride to a cooling center (9 a.m.–7 p.m. daily, May 1–Sept 30). Operators speak English and Spanish.
Major cooling & respite locations
- City of Phoenix 24/7 Respite Center 20 W. Jackson St., Phoenix · Open 24 hours, every day through Sept 30. Navigation services and onward transportation to shelter.
- Justa Center (seniors 55+) 1001 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix · Day Center 7 a.m.–7:30 p.m. daily. Public cooling-center hours 3 p.m.–9 p.m. (no intake required).
- CASS — Central Arizona Shelter Services 230 S. 12th Ave., Phoenix · Arizona's largest emergency shelter (600 beds), 24/7, 365 days. Includes The Haven for adults 55+ and Vista Colina for families.
- St. Vincent de Paul — Phoenix Dining Room shelter 200-bed heat-respite shelter, now operating year-round. Filled to capacity nightly.
- Salvation Army "activated" heat relief stations 10 locations across Metro Phoenix (Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Avondale, Apache Junction, Surprise). Open as cooling/hydration stops during regular hours; "activated" 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on weekdays whenever the NWS issues an Excessive Heat Warning. Most welcome leashed dogs.
- UMOM New Day Centers (families with children) Referral-based heat respite and shelter. Get a referral via the City of Phoenix 24/7 site or 2-1-1.
- Phoenix Public Library — Burton Barr and branches Libraries function as cooling sites with extended hours during heat season. Current hours are on the HRN map.
Free water & hydration stations
- Phoenix Fire Department stations All city fire stations serve as public hydration / water pickup points during heat season. Specific stations are mapped on hrn.azmag.gov.
- Salvation Army mobile hydration ~1,500 bottles/day distributed during Excessive Heat Warnings; mobile units deployed to known unsheltered locations.
- CASS, Justa Center, St. Vincent de Paul Water available on-site during operating hours.
Pro tip: Plain water alone is not enough above 95°F. Heavy sweating depletes sodium and potassium — ask for electrolyte mix (DripDrop, sports drinks) or salty snacks if available.
Heat safety basics for unsheltered people
- Stay out of direct sun between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. — this is the peak danger window.
- Drink water before you feel thirsty. Once it's over 95°F, fans alone are not enough.
- Replace electrolytes, not just water. Heavy sweating depletes sodium and potassium — water alone can dilute what's left (hyponatremia risk).
- Never sit or sleep in a parked car. Interior temperatures can hit 130–160°F within minutes and kill in under an hour.
- Wear light-colored, loose, long-sleeved clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. SPF 30+ reapplied every 2 hours.
- Avoid alcohol and many drugs — both dramatically raise heat-illness risk.
- Check on others — especially older adults and people sleeping alone.
Source: Maricopa County Department of Public Health. In 2025, roughly 48% of confirmed heat-related deaths in Maricopa County were among people experiencing homelessness. The most recent annual report is at maricopa.gov/heat.
Signs of heatstroke — call 911 immediately
High body temperature, hot or dry skin, confusion or altered mental state, nausea, vomiting, rapid pulse, lack of sweating despite the heat.
If someone is unresponsive in the heat:
- Call 9-1-1
- Move them to shade if you can.
- Loosen clothing. Pour or spray cool water on them. Fan them.
- Do not give fluids to someone who is unconscious.
Winter overflow in Phoenix
Phoenix winter nights can drop into the 30s. There is no single regional cold-weather hotline equivalent to the Heat Relief Network — cold response is handled site-by-site.
- Salvation Army "White Flag" nights When perceived temperature drops below 35°F, Salvation Army Corps locations raise a white flag and open as warming shelters. Walk-in.
- CASS, SVdP, UMOM All operate year-round, 24/7, and absorb cold-weather demand. CASS: (602) 256-6945.
- If unsure where to go on a cold night: Call 2-1-1 or go to the nearest CASS, Salvation Army, or St. Vincent de Paul location.
Key phone numbers for weather emergencies
- 9-1-1 — heatstroke, unresponsive person, any medical emergency. 24/7.
- 2-1-1 Arizona — cooling center finder, Lyft to cooling center, general resource referral.
- 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 24/7, call or text.
- Solari Crisis Response Network — Maricopa County 24/7 mental-health crisis line.
- PHX C.A.R.E.S. — report an unsheltered person needing a wellness check or outreach (City of Phoenix; non-emergency).
- Maricopa County Public Health
Heat season operating hours are seasonal (May 1–Sept 30, 2026). Always confirm site hours via hrn.azmag.gov or by calling 2-1-1 before traveling. Information sourced from MAG, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, the City of Phoenix 2026 Heat Response Plan, and partner nonprofit websites. Last reviewed May 2026.