With temperatures soaring into the high 90s on multiple days this summer, Mathews County and the Mathews Family YMCA have teamed up to offer residents access to a cooling center at the Y.

Every day that the heat index is over 100 degrees, residents are welcome to stop by the YMCA on Cricket Hill Road in Hudgins and cool off anytime the facility is open, said Mathews County Emergency Services Coordinator Willie Love. He said all that’s required of residents is that they sign in when they arrive and sign out when they leave, just as members do.

The YMCA is Mathews County’s official emergency shelter, and Center Executive Buzz Lambert said those stopping by will also be welcome to use the showers that are onsite as long as they bring their own linens.

The Y has a welcome center with sofas for comfortable seating, and Wi-Fi will be available for use, he said, but the exercise equipment and classes are restricted to members only.

“It’s a place for people who are overheated to c...