Where To Cool Off In Palm Desert During This Week's Dangerous Heat Wave

BANNING, CA — The worst heat wave of the summer has arrived in the Southland, bringing scorching triple-digit heat to Banning, Beaumont and other parts of Riverside County.

Fortunately, the region has cooling centers available to those who need a place to escape the heat.

In the Coachella Valley, an extreme heat warning will remain in effect until 8 p.m. on Saturday as temperatures between 110 and 116 degrees are possible, according to the National Weather Service.

Check out these cooling centers open in Palm Desert:

• Palm Desert Library - 73-300 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert | Open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Palm Desert Community Center - 43-900 San Pablo Ave. | Open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Phone number: 760-568-9697
• Joslyn Center (Seniors only) - 73-750 Catalina Way | Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Phone number: 760-340-3220 ext. 102; 760-895-4652

FIND A COOLING CENTER NEAR YOU USING THIS DIRECTORY

Weather and public health officials are urging residents to take precautions and check on vulnerable neighbors during the heat wave, which is expected to fade away over the weekend.

"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors," the NWS advised. "Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes."

Meanwhile, the Imperial Irrigation District is urging Palm Desert and Coachella Valley residents to conserve energy as extreme heat bakes the region this week.

The alert will be active from Wednesday until Friday, 8 p.m. amid dangerously high temperatures.

During heat waves of recent years, significant strain has been placed on California's power grid, causing power outages. To prevent prolonged outages in the past, utility companies have imposed rolling blackouts, which are planned, rotating, temporary outages to prevent overload of the power grid.

The IID advised residents to do the following when a Conserve Alert is issued:

• Between peak hours of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., avoid the use of major appliances like washers, dryers, dishwashers, pool pumps, charging of electric vehicles, applicable industrial equipment, etc.
• Set thermostats at 78 degrees or higher when home.
• Use floor or ceiling fans to cool off for less; however, be sure to turn fans off when you leave a room, as they only cool people, not spaces.
• Turn off all unnecessary lights.
• Block the sun from overheating your home. Inside, use shades, blinds and drapes. Outside, use awnings, trees and shrubs.

READ MORE: Palm Desert Residents Urged To Conserve Energy During Heat Wave