To help residents beat the summer heat, the Redmond Senior Center at 8703 160th Ave. N.E. will be open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as a cooling center.

Residents can stop by and enjoy a cold glass of ice tea in the air conditioned building. For more information, call (425) 556-2314.

North Bellevue Community Center at 4063 148th Ave. N.E. in Bellevue is also open as a cooling center.

Near record-high temperatures are expected across King County the next two days, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an excessive heat warning through Friday evening. High temperatures are forecast to reach the mid to upper 90s both today and Friday.

“Our region is known for rain, not hot weather like this,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Extreme heat can be dangerous, even deadly, so we are urging everyone to take precautions to keep cool and stay safe.”

Residents are reminded to drink plenty of fluids, use sunscreen for protection.

When the temperature and humidity rises, people’s bodies are not able to cool themselves quickly enough, and they overheat. In severe instances, people can suffer heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Older adults, young children and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk for heat-related illness.

Protect yourself and loved ones from the heat by following these recommendations:

• Spend more time in air conditioned places. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting a mall, movie theater or other cool public places.
• Dress in lightweight clothing.
• Check up on elderly neighbors and relatives.
• Take a cool shower or bath or place cool washcloths on your skin.
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol and large amounts of sugar because they can dehydrate your body.

If you go outside:

• Limit the time you’re in direct sunlight.
• Do not leave infants, children, people with mobility challenges or pets in a parked car, even with the window rolled down.
• Do outdoor activities in the cooler early morning and late evening hours.
• Avoid sunburn. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF rating.

If you notice someone with signs of overheating, move the person to a cooler location, have them rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage. Seek medical attention for them immediately if they do not feel better.

Heat stroke is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. Symptoms of heat stroke include an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F), red, hot and dry skin, rapid and strong pulse, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness.

For more tips and resources on staying cool in hot weather, visit www.kingcounty.gov/health/BeatTheHeat.