Cooling centers open during heatwave

With dangerous summer temperatures rising across Southwest Missouri, staying cool is a critical public health concern. To help residents find relief, local municipalities, libraries, and non-profit organizations across Jasper and Newton counties have designated public facilities as official cooling centers.

Here is a complete, city-by-city directory detailing operating hours, activation requirements, and locations for cooling centers in Joplin, Webb City, Carthage, Neosho, and Carl Junction.

1. Joplin (11 Facilities)

Joplin hosts the highest concentration of cooling facilities in the region, ranging from municipal administration buildings to community non-profit centers.

Activation & Threshold Conditions

• Standard Trigger: Municipal buildings and public libraries open their main lobbies during regular operating hours whenever the National Weather Service (NWS) issues an Excessive Heat Warning or a Heat Advisory.

• Temperature Triggers:

  • 100°F+ Threshold: Watered Gardens and the Minnie Hackney Community Center activate cooling relief services when ambient temperatures reach or exceed 100°F.

  • 95°F Heat Index: Joplin First Church of the Nazarene opens cooling operations once the heat index reaches 95°F.

Directory & Operating Hours

2. Webb City (2 Facilities)

Activation & Threshold Conditions

Facilities in Webb City serve as daytime cooling spaces during normal business hours whenever an official NWS Heat Advisory is in effect.

Locations & Hours

• Webb City Public Library

  • Address: 101 S. Liberty St

  • Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tue, Thu: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Webb City Senior Center

  • Address: 210 N. Pennsylvania Ave

  • Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Targeted for seniors 60+)

3. Carthage (2 Facilities)

Activation & Threshold Conditions

Open during regular operational hours when a local Heat Advisory is declared.

Important Community Note: While senior centers typically serve older demographics, the Carthage Senior Center opens its doors to residents of all ages during active NWS Heat Advisories.

Locations & Hours

• Carthage Public Library

  • Address: 612 S. Garrison Ave

  • Hours: Mon–Tue: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Wed–Fri: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• Carthage Senior Center

  • Address: 404 E. 3rd St

  • Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (All ages welcome during advisories)

4. Neosho (3 Facilities)

Activation & Threshold Conditions

Facilities operate as community cooling options during posted operating hours whenever Heat Advisories are declared in Newton County.

Locations & Hours

• Neosho Newton County Library

  • Address: 201 W. Spring St

  • Hours: Mon–Thu: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Neosho Restoration Life Center

  • Address: 415 N. High St

  • Hours: Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• The Center for Seniors in Neosho

  • Address: 1017 E. Carl Sweeney Jr. Dr

  • Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Tailored for adults 60+)

5. Carl Junction (2 Facilities)

Activation & Threshold Conditions

Carl Junction facilities activate indoor cooling availability during regular weekly operating hours during regional extreme heat events.

Locations & Hours

• Carl Junction Community Center

  • Address: 303 N. Main St

  • Hours: Mon–Fri: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Sat: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• The Center (Carl Junction Senior Center)

  • Address: 303 N. Main St

  • Hours: Mon–Sun: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Targeted for seniors 60+)