Orange County has lowered its heat‑index activation threshold from 108 degrees to 103 degrees as summer peaks. The heat index, which combines temperature and humidity, can pose serious health risks such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke when it reaches 103 degrees or higher, according to the National Weather Service. When the index reaches that level, LYNX will begin offering free bus rides to and from any designated cooling location.
Cooling locations include air‑conditioned public spaces such as Orange County Parks and Recreation facilities, splash pads, library branches, community centers and local homeless shelters, all of which are available during normal business hours. Parks and recreation sites operate Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.; community centers are generally open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with some variations, and homeless service organizations have varying hours. Residents should call 911 for heat‑related emergencies and check the National Weather Service for active heat advisories.
Press release issued by Orange County Government Newsroom:
https://newsroom.ocfl.net/2026/06/orange-county-lowers-heat-threshold/
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