Cooling centers will be open throughout the Coachella Valley this week as National Weather Service warns of an extreme heat wave now in effect and extending through Labor Day.
“Take this heat seriously, even if you’re healthy because the predicted temperatures are nothing to take lightly," Riverside County Public Health Officer Geoffrey Leung said in a county health advisory on Monday. "Just a few precautions can help you stay safe. Even remaining outdoors for short periods of time can impact your health.”
According to the alert, an excessive heat warning started on Tuesday and will last until 8 p.m. on Monday. Labor Day barbecues may be difficult, even dangerous, as the NWS expects temperatures up to 115 degrees.
"Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," NWS said.
To keep yourself and others safe during this scorcher, the NWS recommends drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room and out of the sun, checking in on neighbors and relatives, and taking extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. It may be better to reschedule strenuous outdoor activities to early morning or evening when possible. Heatwave recommendations from Riverside County's public health officer include avoiding alcoholic drinks or sugary liquids— drinking water instead and wearing loose, light-colored clothing.
As for the source of this extreme weather, Palm Desert Patch reports that high-pressure ridges over the Great Basin of Utah and Nevada will influence Riverside County's weather patterns over the course of six or seven days.
To provide relief from the sweltering temps, cooling centers across the county will be opening their doors for people without air-conditioning to relax. Most of these centers will be open from late morning into the early evening, according to Patch.
Here are a few centers to get cool in the Coachella Valley, according to the Community Action Partnership of Riverside County:
Coachella Senior Center: 1540 Seventh St., Coachella, open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Desert Hot Springs Library: 14380 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, open Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Coachella Valley Rescue Mission: 84110 Manila St., Indio, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
La Quinta Wellness Center: 78450 Avenida La Fonda, La Quinta, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Palm Desert Community Center: 43-900 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Demuth Community Center: 3601 E. Mesquite Ave., Palm Springs, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.