RivCo temperatures expected to rise, escape the heat at area Cool Centers

With temperatures rising over the next few days and reaching triple-digits next week, there really is no escaping the heat out there.

An extended heat warning is currently in effect through Tuesday and Riverside County residents are being urged to use caution and seek refuge from scorching conditions at area cooling centers if necessary.

On Monday, temperatures are expected to be in the 100s in some Southwest cities, according to the National Weather Service in San Diego.

The Riverside County Department of Public Health extended a heat warning this week through July 19, activating Cool Centers throughout the county.

While the weather will be comfortable over the weekend, with highs in the 80s and low 90s, the National Weather Service’s forecast for next week calls for temperatures in the high 90s in Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar and reaching 100 in Hemet.

Visiting county-run cooling centers is encouraged, said Danyte Mockus with the Department of Public Health.

Cool Centers are open when temperatures reach more than 100 degrees over a consecutive three-day period. The centers are used as a preventative health method providing shelter from the heat, water, snacks and information for resident with medical conditions or who are economically disadvantaged, said officials from the Community Action Partnership of Riverside County.

County health officials advised residents to avoid any strenuous outdoor activities when heat warnings are issued. Riverside County Fire Department officials said there are an average of 42 heat-related deaths each year in the county.

The Riverside County Department of Public Health considers people with conditions such as high blood pressure, mental illness,  drug and alcohol users or those who have had a past heat-related illness to be at high-risk when the mercury rises.

Young children and the elderly are among the highest at-risk are especially vulnerable and should  stay out of three-digit temperatures.

Officials reminded residents to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeine-laden drinks. Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brim hat were also recommended.

Avoiding direct sunlight, closing blinds or curtains to minimize the heat and visiting malls, libraries or restaurants to stay cool is another option for seeking refuge from the heat, county health officials said.

While most cool centers are open to the public, Lake Elsinore Senior Center and Murrieta Senior Center only provide heat shelter to senior citizens. A cool center hotline with information on local facilities can be reached at 888-636- 8676.

~yazmin.alvarez@swrnn.com