Riverside Opens Cooling Centers As Temps Hit Triple Digits
Thursday, Jan 7, 2010 | Updated 3:00 PM PST
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Sunrise over city skyline
Triple-digit heat is expected in the Coachella Valley, Cabazon and Perris for the next four days, prompting the Riverside County Health Department Monday to issue a heat warning.
The county's cool centers, which provide snacks and water to residents, will be open in eastern Riverside County.
In Palm Springs, the temperature soared to 111 degrees by midday and could reach as high as 114 later this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
At 2:30 p.m., the mercury had climbed to 107 near Cabazon and 97 in Perris, the NWS reported.
The Department of Public Health issues heat warnings when temperatures are forecast to reach above 100 degrees for three to five consecutive days.
People with the symptoms of excessive heat such as headache, dizziness, weakness, muscle pains, nausea or vomiting should try to find a cool place and drink water to help prevent dehydration.
The county encourages residents during heat warnings to:
-- drink water to prevent dehydration;
-- stay indoors, keeps blinds down and use an air conditioner to keep cool;
-- avoid direct sunlight at peak hours;
-- visit a mall, library or restaurant to stay cool; and
-- avoid leaving children, the elderly, disabled individuals or pets inside vehicles.
A complete list of cool center locations can be found at www.capriverside.org or by calling (888) 636-8676.
