County Issues Heat Warning: Local Cool Centers Open

A heat warning has been expanded as of July 9 to now include most Riverside County cities and surrounding unincorporated areas, according to health officials. Temperatures are expected to exceed 97 degrees for the next five days and cool centers will be open. Desert cities will experience significantly higher temperatures than previous weeks.

Murrieta was expected to reach a daytime high of 96 degrees Monday, 101 on Tuesday, 98 on Wednesday and 99 on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

"Individuals susceptible to heat, such as the elderly and families with young children, are encouraged to visit a cool center during extended periods of high-heat days. Cool centers will provide snacks and water, in addition to activities and resource information. Residency is not a requirement to visit a particular cool center," a county news release stated Monday.

Murrieta and Temecula area cool centers include: at 41717 Juniper St. in Murrieta, Rancho Community Church at 31300 Rancho Community Way in Temecula and Mary Phillips Senior Center at 41845 6th St. in Temecula.

People with the following symptoms should try to remain in a cool place and drink water to prevent dehydration:

*          Headache

*          Dizziness

*          Weakness or muscle pains

*          Nausea and vomiting

For more information or for a complete list of cool center locations, call 888-636-8676 or visit Rivcohealthdata.org. Speech or hearing impaired individuals may call TTY 951-955-5126. For a list of summer-weather information and health recommendations, visit Capriverside.org.

The heat advisories and cool centers are services offered by the Community Action Partnership of Riverside County, Riverside County Department of Public Health, Riverside County Fire Department, Community Connect – formerly the Volunteer Center of Riverside County, and the American Red Cross.