The heat is expected to be intense from Tuesday to late Thursday this week, so it is important to prepare and stay safe. In Winston-Salem, temperatures are projected to exceed 95 degrees, with high humidity levels.
Extended exposure to heat and humidity can lead to serious health issues, especially for those working outdoors or without access to climate-controlled facilities. Two common conditions to be aware of are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
With heat indices expected to exceed 100 degrees according to the National Weather Service (NWS), the Winston-Salem Transit Authority (WSTA) will provide fare-free fixed-route bus service all day to help residents access local cooling centers and escape the heat.
This temporary fare-free initiative is being implemented as part of the City of Winston-Salem and WSTA’s commitment to community safety and well-being during periods of extreme weather.
Temperature threshold: Air temperature above 95 degrees and heat index of 100 degrees or greater as published by the National Weather Service
Effective date: Tues., September 1, 2026, through Thurs., September 3, 2026
Fare free: Hours of operation - all day.
Eligibility: All passengers on fixed-route buses during these hours
Purpose: To provide access to designated open cooling centers across the city
WSTA reminds all riders that bus shelters may offer relief, but during extreme heat, indoor cooling centers are the best option. Please ride safely and help others do the same. For updates on routes, hours, and cooling center locations, visit www.wstransit.com.
For more information on the WSTA and future National Weather Service (NWS) extreme heat events, check out the links below.
Cooling center information
City of Winston-Salem Recreation Centers open as cooling centers during extreme heat events.
Cooling sites during business hours
Cool off in the lobby area *not to interrupt ongoing programs in the facility.
Facilities have varied hours for the community, which can be found:
Helpful information and links to learn how to stay cool and safe in extreme heat:
This content is sourced from
Winston-Salem
. It reflects the author's views and has not been edited by our newsroom. It may have been generated using AI assistance.
