HEAT WAVE WILL PEAK TODAY AND TOMORROW, COOLING CENTERS OPEN

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning through 9 p.m. Wednesday night, with the hottest days expected to be Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures throughout the Morongo Basin are expected to reach up to 110 in Yucca Valley to 118 degrees in Twentynine Palms today. Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke will be likely for people who spend a prolonged time outdoors or who perform strenuous activity. People most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses include young children, the elderly, those who spend a lot of time outdoors, and those with chronic ailments. Residents are urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and stay in air-conditioned rooms. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. There are cooling centers in the Morongo Basin. In Yucca Valley, the community center is open noon to 5 Monday through Thursday; town offices are open Monday through Thursday 8 to 5. In Twentynine Palms, the Senior Center on Adobe Road is a cooling center; if the heat index reaches 115 degrees, the building will be open evenings. In Joshua Tree, the Hi-Desert Medical Center cafeteria is available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Joshua Tree community center is open 9 to 4:30. In addition, the libraries in Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, and Yucca Valley are open 11 to 7 Monday through Wednesday, and Thursday 10 to 6. Other places to get out of the heat are stores, restaurants, and theaters.