A hot weather streak will bring air temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s for at least the next two weeks, with some days reaching triple digits with the heat index. 

The City of Aurora is advising residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe and has opened a centrally-located cooling center. 

The Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway Ave., is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the week for those who need an inside air-conditioned space to beat the heat. Visitors are required to socially distance and wear face coverings inside the facility.

“We certainly have learned how to pivot quickly during these challenging times,” said Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin. “Since some of our community partners are not able to open due to the pandemic, we are immediately activating the Aurora Transportation Center as a cooling center for those in need.”

The majority of Aurora’s traditional cooling centers are currently closed to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions, but some are in the process of transitioning under the Phase 4 guidelines in the Restore Illinois Plan. 

The Aurora Public Library will reopen its sites as cooling centers beginning Monday, July 13.

All three library branches - Santori Library, 101 S. River Street; Eola Branch, 555 S. Eola Road; and West Branch, 233 S. Constitution Drive – will be available as cooling centers by appointment only from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. There are no public hours on Fridays and Sundays. Visitors are required to socially distance and wear face coverings inside the libraries. Appointments for one-hour time slots can be made online at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org and via phone at 630-264-4117. 

“The library is committed to providing this vital service for our community,” said Aurora Public Library Executive Director Michaela Haberkern. “As we reopen our branches on an appointment-only schedule, we’ll also offer limited seating where residents can cool off during these hot days.”

Staying in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as possible is the main action the City is reminding residents to take to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries, and greater tragedies during hot weather. Other measures include, but are not limited to:

• Drinking plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Scheduling outdoor activities carefully.
  • Wearing loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Wearing and reapplying sunscreen as indicated on the package.
  • Pacing yourself.
• Checking on friends and neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled. 
• Never leaving children or pets in cars.
• Visiting indoor public spaces, such as stores and malls
• Checking the local news for health and safety updates