EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH

An excessive heat watch is in place for temperatures up to 117 this weekend. Residents are urged to stay cool by staying in air conditioned buildings. There are several cooling centers in the Morongo Basin. In Yucca Valley, the Hi-Desert Nature Museum is open Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  and the Community Center is open noon 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 open evenings and weekends. In Joshua Tree, the Hi-Desert Medical Center cafeteria is available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, the libraries in Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, and Yucca Valley are open Saturday 9 to 5. Other places to get out of the heat are stores, restaurants, and theaters. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. Most susceptible to heat-related illness are children, the elderly, homeless, people with chronic ailments, and pets. Heat exhaustion, or in extreme cases, heat stroke can result from prolonged exposure to these conditions. Friends, relatives, and neighbors should check on people who may be at risk for heat-related illnesses.