Warming center scheduled to open Sunday night as colder air pushes into the Mid-South region

A cold-weather safety measure as temperatures trend downward

A temporary warming center is set to open Sunday night to provide overnight indoor refuge as a colder air mass moves into the Mid-South. The activation comes as forecasters indicate a notable temperature drop following the passage of a front, a shift that can increase the risk of cold-related illness for people without reliable heat or shelter.

What a warming center is—and what it is not

Warming centers are short-term, weather-driven operations intended to reduce immediate exposure to dangerous cold. They typically offer a heated space overnight and limited supplies such as blankets and basic refreshments while capacity allows. These sites are not designed to replace longer-term shelter programs, case management, or permanent housing services.

How Memphis warming-center operations have been handled during past cold snaps

In recent winter activations in Memphis, overnight warming operations have used partner locations including First Baptist Church (200 East Parkway North) alongside space at the Hospitality Hub (590 Washington Ave.), with site assignments sometimes separated by household type to manage capacity and safety. Past city emergency updates have also included coordinated transportation options to bring people to warming sites during overnight hours.

• Prior operations have opened late evening and closed in the morning, aligned with the coldest overnight period.

• Some activations have used two locations simultaneously to accommodate different groups and improve flow at intake.

• Transportation support has been used during certain emergency activations to reduce barriers for people without a safe way to reach shelter.

Why timing matters: rapid temperature swings and overnight exposure

Cold-weather risk is often driven less by daytime highs than by overnight lows and wind-driven heat loss. A rapid warm-to-cold transition can leave vulnerable residents unprepared, especially those living outdoors, in vehicles, or in housing without stable heat. Local emergency plans typically prioritize overnight operations because exposure risk increases sharply when temperatures fall after sunset.

For people sleeping outside, the difference between a chilly evening and a dangerous night can be a few degrees, added wind, and prolonged exposure.

What residents can do

In cold snaps, public safety guidance commonly emphasizes reducing time outdoors, dressing in layers, and checking on neighbors who may be isolated or lack heat. Residents who encounter someone in urgent distress from cold exposure should contact emergency services. Those seeking non-emergency help often rely on local outreach networks and coordinated shelter providers during activations.

Details such as the exact opening time, intake procedures, and transportation availability can vary by activation and are typically updated close to the start of operations.