As extreme summer temperatures continue to intensify across the Harris County area, Commissioner Lesley Briones and Precinct4Forward have launched the second year of the “Cool 4 the Summer” initiative, expanding efforts to protect vulnerable residents from dangerous heat conditions.

The 2026 program will distribute 300 free portable air conditioning units to eligible residents in Precinct 4, an increase from the 250 units provided last year. The initiative targets seniors age 60 and older, low-income households, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, groups that are often most at risk during prolonged heat waves.

Summers in Houston have grown increasingly severe in recent years. The city routinely experiences extended stretches of temperatures above 95 degrees, with heat index values frequently climbing past 105 degrees due to high humidity. Climate data shows that the number of extreme heat days has steadily increased, and recent years have ranked among the hottest on record. These conditions elevate the risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other serious health complications, particularly in communities with limited access to cooling.

Local data highlights the urgency. According to Harris County Public Health, heat-related illnesses surged by 329 percent between 2019 and 2023, while heat-related deaths rose by 231 percent from 2022 to 2023. Public health officials continue to warn that extreme heat is a growing and pressing concern across the region.

Research from the Houston Advanced Research Council further underscores disparities in heat exposure. Heat mapping identified temperature differences of up to 17 degrees between the hottest and coolest areas of Precinct 4. Neighborhoods including Alief, Westwood, Sharpstown, Braeburn, Gulfton, and Mid-West experience some of the most intense urban heat island effects, where dense development and limited green space trap heat and drive temperatures higher.

The “Cool 4 the Summer” program is designed to address these conditions directly by providing immediate relief to residents who may lack reliable cooling systems. Units will be distributed in June to approved applicants while supplies last.

Eligibility requirements include not having received a free air conditioning unit from any program within the past two years and limiting distribution to one unit per household. Duplicate applications from the same address will not be accepted. The application deadline is May 29, 2026.

Residents can apply online here or visit any Precinct 4 Community Center for assistance. Additional support is available by phone at 832-927-4444 or by email at service@hcp4.net.

Funded through a combination of public and private support, the initiative reflects a broader push across Harris County to reduce heat-related health risks and ensure that vulnerable populations have access to life-saving resources during increasingly intense summer seasons.