The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning from Saturday through Wednesday, June 21, (and possibly even farther into next week), with the hottest days expected to be Monday through Wednesday. Temperatures on Tuesday are expected to reach up to 112 degrees in Yucca Valley and 120 degrees in Twentynine Palms. 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 9 to 5 Monday through Friday, and the Hi-Desert Nature Museum is open Thursday through Saturday 10 to 5. Town offices are open Monday through Thursday 8 to noon and 1 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 community center will be open Saturday until 2 p.m. and normal hours are 9 to 5 Monday through Friday. Residents can cool off at the splash park, which is open Thursday through Monday 9 to 7. The Hi-Desert Medical Center cafeteria is available as a cooling center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, the libraries in Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, and Yucca Valley are open 11 to 7 Monday through Wednesday, Thursday 10 to 6, and Saturday 9 to 5. The Wonder Valley Community Center will be open 9 to 2 Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Other places to get out of the heat are stores, restaurants, and theaters.
