How to stay cool and spot heat-related illnesses as Twin Cities deal with dangerous temps

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning across much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin on Monday. 

WCCO meteorologists expect highs in the upper 90s in the metro area, with the humidity making it feel closer to 105 degrees. 

Hennepin County and Ramsey County both offer interactive maps highlighting places to cool off during the day. The maps include pools, malls, libraries and community centers. 

Salvation Army

On Monday, the Salvation Army will open seven cooling centers at locations across the metro area:

• 1604 E. Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55407
• 2024 Lyndale Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55411
• 10011 Noble Pkwy., Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 
• 1019 Payne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55130
• 401 West Seventh St., St. Paul, MN 55102
• 2080 Woodlynn Ave., St. Paul, MN 55109
• 2727 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

"A lot of people do not have air conditioning and it's really not just hot but humid," said Envoy Laura Moore with the Salvation Army.

Catholic Charities

At Catholic Charities' Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul, they're working to help out some of the Twin Cities most vulnerable populations amid the intense heat and humidity.

"With this level of heat, we want to make sure that people don't feel dehydrated, that they get enough water," said Elizabeth Heger, associate vice president of emergency services at Catholic Charities.

They're providing extra water stations in addition to the showers and three meals a day they typically serve.

"What we're trying to do here at Catholic Charities is make sure people have the knowledge to come inside," Heger said. "We have a great courtyard with some trees that provide some shade.  

Mall of America

Mall of America is billing itself as the great indoors, with an air-conditioned escape from the intense weather.

"On hot days like today, we see a significant increase in our traffic," said Laura Utecht, the mall's senior director of communications. "People are looking for different ways to beat the heat."

Katrina Rollins was one of those people Monday.

"We're just here to beat the heat and have fun and do window shopping in this wonderful place of the Mall of America," Rollins said.

Parents urged to stay vigilant

As the heat index rises into the triple digits, doctors are encouraging parents to stay vigilant. Madeleine Gagnon, a pediatrician at Gillette Children's, says kids can be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

"[With heat exhaustion] you'd feel dizziness, you'd feel unwell, you'd feel nauseous," Gagnon explained. "Once you've kind of transcended into heat stroke that is a medical emergency, 911-worthy, and that would be where someone is fainting or having a seizure or confused about who they are or where they are."

She says it's critical to make sure kids are staying hydrated, getting breaks in the shade and wearing sunscreen. Gagnon says that includes teenagers, who can overexert themselves, especially playing sports. 

"Don't wait for them to say, 'I'm thirsty,' keep them well hydrated beforehand. It means about a cup of fluid every 20 to 30 minutes," Gagnon explained.

Tips for homeowners

Xcel Energy has some advice to keep your energy bill in check:

• Use a programmable thermostat that adjusts based on when you're home
• Open interior doors to help cool air circulate
• Change the filter on your air conditioner and clean the coils
• Close your drapes and blinds during the heat of the day.