An intense heat wave has gripped the Richmond region since temperatures began climbing late last Friday, with daily highs in the 90s. The heat wave is expected to last through the end of the month, despite forecasts calling for rain in the coming days. In response, city and community groups have mobilized to address public needs.

Last week, the City of Richmond opened several public cooling facilities that will remain available through Labor Day. These include walk-up cooling centers in neighborhoods and other select locations, outdoor pools and a shelter provided by the Salvation Army that opens on days when temperatures are expected to reach 92 degrees for consecutive hours.

  

The city has also extended the shelter’s hours for overnight operations on Tuesday and Wednesday, and added eight daily water distribution points at specific Richmond police precincts and fire stations.

Mutual aid groups such as RVA Community Fridges have also made adjustments in response to the heat wave. According to founder Taylor Scott, the group has worked to ensure that a variety of water and hydrating goods such as ice pops, watermelon and cucumbers are available in their 15 fridges across the city. The group has also added additional shoppers for daily item drops to fridges.

“Our volunteers are very hard at work all day, and have been for the past weekend in preparation for the rising temps this week and stocking the RVA Community Fridges,” Scott said. “We have seen an increasing need of liquids to keep the community hydrated as the heat has been rising this week.”

Scott said the group’s community cook day is still scheduled for Friday, June 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Matchbox Mutual Aid in Richmond’s North Side. Community members are encouraged to volunteer or donate to RVA Community Fridges to help meet public needs during the heat wave. For more information, visit rvacommunityfridges.com.

 Quatice Scott fans herself while walking through the Fan District on a 98-degree day Monday, June 23, with little breeze to offer relief.
 

A Cool the City Community Forum organized by Virginia Interfaith Power and Light (VAIPL), Southside ReLeaf and other groups provided a way for residents to suggest climate mitigation strategies the city should consider. The forum was held on Monday at Studio Two Three in Richmond.

About 30 people attended, according to VAIPL Executive Director Faith Harris, with infrastructure investment emerging as a key focus — driven in part by recent water issues in the city — followed by interest in plant-based strategies. Harris said VAIPL is currently sharing tips and information to help residents stay cool while working on long-term plans for tree planting across Richmond. 

In addition to these efforts, on Wednesday, the city released the Richmond Cool Kit, an urban heat mitigation guide that outlines strategies to reduce surface temperatures and protect public health.

Officials say the plan addresses historic disparities in heat exposure and aims to lower energy costs, improve health outcomes and increase climate resilience across neighborhoods. The toolkit is available at rvagreen2050.com/richmond-cool-kit.