The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Western Columbia County, including the Town of Ghent, for both Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12.
The advisory is in effect from 12:00 PM (Noon) until 8:00 PM each day.
Forecast heat index values — what the temperature feels like when humidity is combined with air temperature — are expected to reach:
- Up to 98°F on Thursday
- Up to 102°F on Friday
These conditions can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, and those who work or spend extended periods outdoors.
Stay Safe During Extreme Heat
Residents are encouraged to:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours.
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
- Check on elderly neighbors, family members, and others who may be vulnerable to extreme heat.
Cooling Centers Available
Residents who need relief from the heat are encouraged to visit one of the cooling centers listed in the accompanying graphic. These facilities provide air-conditioned spaces where individuals can cool down during the advisory period. Be sure to check each center’s hours of operation.
The Town of Ghent encourages all residents to take precautions during this period of extreme heat and to remain aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
For the latest weather information and advisories, monitor forecasts from the National Weather Service and local media outlets.
| Columbia County Cooling and Clean Air Centers | ||
| Canaan Town Hall (518) 764-2024 1647 County Rte 5 Canaan NY 12029 | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9am-2pm; with extended hours during heat waves as posted. | The large meeting room in the Town Hall operates as a cooling center during heat waves. The building functions as a Town Hall at all other times. Residents using the Cooling Center are asked to sign in so we can track usage. Service animals and pets permitted with prior approval. |
| Chatham Public Library 518-392-3666 11 Woodbridge Ave Chatham, NY 12037 | M: 10-8, T: 10-5; W: 10-8; Th:11-5 ; F- 10-5; Sat: 10-3 ; Sun; Closed | |
| Claverack Free Library 518-851-7120 629 Route 23B Claverack, NY 12513 | M: 12-7; T: 10-3; W: 12-7;Th: 10-3; F: 12-5; Sat: 10-2; Sun: Closed | *This facility operates as a clean air center during poor air quality events* |
| Germantown Library 518-537-5800 31 Palatine Park Rd Germantown, NY 12526 | T: 9-7; W: 9-7; Th: 12-7; F: 9-4; Sat: 10-2; Sun-M: Closed | |
| Hudson Area Library 518-828-1792 51 N. 5th St. Hudson, NY 12534 | Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 10am-5pm ; Wed 10am-8pm ; Sat 10am-3pm | |
| Kinderhook Memorial Library 518-758-6192 18 Hudson Street Kinderhook, NY 12106 | M: Closed ; T-Th: 10-8 ; F:10-5 Sat: 10-4 ; Sun: 12-4 | |
| New Lebanon Community Center 523 US Route 20, New Lebanon, NY 12125 | Tue – Thur: 2-5:40; Sat: 5-8; Sun 11-2. | *This facility operates as a clean air center during poor air quality events* |
| New Lebanon Library 518-794-8844 550 State Route 20 New Lebanon, NY 12125 | M-W: 10-6; Th: 10-7; F:10-6; Sat: 10-1; Sun: Closed | |