Cooling centers will be open in Riverside County throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend to provide residents in need a place to escape the extreme heat that’s in the forecast.

“Serious heat-related illnesses can come on suddenly, particularly for the young and elderly,” Department of Public Health Director Kim Saruwatari said. “For your safety, get out of the heat and drink extra water.”

The Community Action Partnership of Riverside County coordinates with senior centers, chapels, libraries and other air-conditioned nonprofits to establish temporary shelters where residents can escape during high heat, particularly when it is most intense.

Currently, 35 such facilities are in operation countywide. In some years, more than 50 shelters have been available, but because of COVID-19 concerns, fewer are open this summer. They will be available to the end of October, officials said.

The available spots can be found at www.capriverside.org/Cool-Centers. Residents may also call the county’s 211 service for information.

“Cool centers are a life-saving option for our residents,” Supervisor Manuel Perez said. “Our vulnerable low-income residents, such as the elderly, disabled and families with infants and young children living in disadvantaged communities do not have to suffer and risk the dangers of extreme heat.”

Temperatures in the Coachella Valley could top 120 between Saturday and Monday, while in the Riverside metropolitan area, the mercury is forecast to settle between 110 and 115 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency posted an Excessive Heat Warning that will be in effect from 10 a.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Monday.

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