RIVERSIDE, Calif. – With triple-digit temperatures forecast for the next two days and only minor relief expected through the weekend, the City of Riverside is urging residents to take advantage of Cool Centers that are available to the public.
Temperatures in Riverside are forecast to reach 104 degrees today and 100 degrees on Friday and remain in the high 90s through the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for portions of Riverside and San Bernardino counties from 11 a.m. today through 9 p.m. Friday.
Cool Centers around Riverside, including community centers and libraries, are open and available for temporary relief from excessive heat during normal business hours. Cool Centers are not anticipated to be open after normal business hours, but the situation will be closely monitored and operating hours could be extended if needed. The public also is encouraged to visit businesses, such malls and movie theaters, should they need relief from the heat.
Individuals susceptible to heat, such as the elderly and families with young children, are encouraged to visit a cool center during periods of excessive heat. Each center will have air conditioning, a resting area and water available.
Heat Advisories are issued when the temperature (heat index or real-feel temperature) is expected to exceed 95 degrees. An Excessive Heat Warning would be issued when the temperature was expected to exceed 110 degrees.
Exercise caution during this period of excessive heat by drinking plenty of water, wearing light-weight clothing and curtailing non-essential outside activity. NEVER leave children or pets in cars. Neighbors also are encouraged to check on persons who may be susceptible to extreme heat, including the elderly, infirm and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Cool Centers are located at:
Janet Goeske Senior Center (Sierra Street)
Dales Senior Center (White Park)
La Sierra Senior Center (La Sierra Park)
Arlanza Community Center (Bryant Park)
Cesar Chavez Community Center (Bobby Bonds Park)
Joyce Jackson Community Center (Nichols Park)
La Sierra Community Center (La Sierra Park)
Orange Terrace Community Center (Orange Terrace Park)
Renck Community Center (Hunt Park)
Ruth Lewis Community Center (Reid Park)
Stratton Community Center (Bordwell Park)
Arlington Library (Hunt Park)
Arlanza Library (Philbin Avenue)
Casa Blanca Library (Madison Street)
Eastside Library (Chicago Avenue)
La Sierra Library (La Sierra Avenue)
Main Library (Mission Inn Avenue)
Marcy Library (Magnolia Avenue)
Orange Terrace Library (Orange Terrace Parkway)
For tips on dealing with the heat or heat-related illnesses, go to www.readyriverside.com.