Extreme Heat Warning issued for Marshall County; cooling centers open

An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for Marshall County and portions of northern Indiana from 2 p.m. Monday through 8 p.m. Thursday, with heat index values expected to reach as high as 105 degrees during afternoon and early evening hours.

Daily high temperatures are forecast to climb into the 90s, with overnight lows only dropping to the mid-70s — offering limited overnight relief. Forecasters note that the risk for heat-related illness may be greater than usual, as residents have experienced cooler-than-normal temperatures over the past two weeks, leaving the body less acclimated to extreme heat.

Residents are urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sun exposure, and check on neighbors and relatives — particularly the elderly. Under no circumstances should young children or pets be left unattended in vehicles, as interior car temperatures can reach lethal levels within minutes.

In response to the warning, Marshall County has activated cooling centers at several locations throughout the area:

Argos: Plymouth Police Department lobby, 125 W. Walnut Street — open 24/7. If locked, call Marshall County Dispatch at 574-936-3187.

Bourbon: Police Department lobby, 224 N. Main Street — open 24/7. If locked, call Marshall County Dispatch at 574-936-3187.

Bremen: Town Hall, 111 S. Center Street — open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours, the Police Department lobby at 123 S. Center Street is available. If locked, call Bremen Police Dispatch at 574-546-3456.

Culver: Town Hall, 200 E. Washington Street — open 24/7. If locked, call Marshall County Dispatch at 574-936-3187.

Plymouth: Conservation Clubhouse, 720 Magnetic Parkway — open 24/7. Contact the Plymouth Police Department at 574-936-2126 for access.

If greater sheltering capacity is needed, Marshall County Emergency Management will coordinate with partners to open a larger cooling center.