The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning through this Friday. Temperatures on Tuesday are expected to reach up to 113 in Yucca Valley and 122 degrees in Twentynine Palms. Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke are 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.
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 from 9 to 5 Monday through Friday; if the heat index reaches 115 degrees, the building will remain open.
In Joshua Tree, the community center will be open 9 to 5 Monday through Friday. The Hi-Desert Medical Center cafeteria is available as a cooling center every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Wonder Valley Community Center will be open 9 to 2 Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
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. Other places to get out of the heat are stores, restaurants, and theaters.
EXTREME HEAT WARNING THROUGH FRIDAY, COOLING CENTERS AVAILABLE
