Heat warning issued; cooling centers to open

The National Weather Service has issued an “excessive heat warning” for the Mid-Hudson Valley for the period of noon to 8 p.m. Saturday.

The high temperature is expected to be in the midto upper 90s, and the “heat index” could reach 110, according to forecasters. (The “heat index” is how hot the air feels when taking the dew point into account.)

A “heat advisory” has been issued for the period of noon Friday to noon Saturday. The high temperature during that period is expected to be in the low 90s, and the heat index could reach 105.

Excessive heat can cause heat stress and heatstroke, as well as illness and even death among atrisk persons who cannot stay cool, the weather service says.

The weather service advises drinking plenty of fluids and staying in air-conditioned rooms.

Because of the expected heat, several communities in Ulster County will open cooling centers. They will operate as follows.

• City of Kingston: Ulster County Office Building, 240 Fair St. (first floor), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

• Plattekill: Town Hall, 1915 Route 44/55 Modena, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

• Rosendale: American Legion, 794 Springtown Road, Tillson, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday; Rosendale Recreation Center, 1055 Route 32, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

• Saugerties: Greco Senior Center, 207 Market St., available Friday through Sunday. Call (845) 2469800.

• Woodstock: Town Court, 76 Tinker St., from Thursday afternoon until further notice.