Lake Elsinore Cooling Centers Open for Residents Trying to Beat the Heat

Cooling centers opened Thursday throughout Riverside County as the summer season's first heat wave hits, which was expected to drive temperatures into the triple digits in some spots.

"Some of our friends and neighbors may not have access to cooler conditions during the warm summer months," said Brenda Freeman, executive director of the Riverside County Community Action Partnership. "We want residents to be able to escape the extreme heat and high temperatures. The centers offer safety and comfort for residents and visitors."

There are more than 50 facilities countywide that offer daytime relief from the heat.

County officials said that none of the centers were planning to open before June 15, but the anticipated scorcher prompted them to begin opening places Wednesday.

Senior centers, chapels, libraries and other air-conditioned facilities double as cooling facilities. They're generally open to anyone trying to escape the heat between mid-morning and late afternoon.

County officials said heatstroke, dehydration and other consequences of high temps warrant staying sheltered and cool.

The hottest days are likely to be Friday and Saturday, with a gradual but shallow cooling trend beginning early next week, according to the National Weather Service. Riverside is expected to hit 105 degrees Saturday.

An excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service will be in effect from 10 a.m. Friday until 8 p.m. Sunday in a number of county areas, including Riverside. A less serious heat advisory will be in force in the mountains at the same time.

A complete list of cooling centers can be found here.

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– By City News Service. Image via Shutterstock.