MAINE, USA — As excessive heat plagues much of Maine this week, communities across the state are opening cooling centers to help people beat the heat.
The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for most of the state. After a scorcher Monday, Mainers will experience yet another oppressively hot day Tuesday. NEWS CENTER Maine Chief Meteorologist Todd Gutner said highs will be in the mid-90s and heat index values will be around 100 in the afternoon.
Heat will continue into Wednesday. On Thursday, temperatures will break with highs in the lower 80s.
Bridgton: Community Center, 15 Depot Street, Monday and Tuesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Casco: Casco Community Center at 940 Meadow Rd. until 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 29.
Falmouth: Family Ice Center, 20 Hat Trick Dr., Tuesday through Friday, 4 a.m.–midnight
Falmouth: Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Rd., Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Gray: Gray Public Library, 5 Hancock St., Tuesday, Wednesday 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.; Thursday 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Harpswell: Harpswell Town Office, 263 Mountain Rd, Monday until 4:30 p.m.
Portland: Troubh Ice Arena, 225 Park Ave., open through Wednesday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Masks are required inside.
Scarborough: Library, 48 Gorham Road, Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Auburn: Norway Savings Bank Arena, 985 Turner St, Monday 9 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Durham: Durham Town Office, 630 Hallowell Rd., Monday, Tuesday, Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Thursday 10:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; closed Wednesday
Lisbon: Lisbon Police Department Lobby, 8 Community Dr., Tuesday through Thursday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Click here for a full list of cooling centers in Androscoggin County.
Augusta: Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Drive, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Richmond: Richmond Area Senior Center, 314 Front St., Monday 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Topsham: Topsham Town Office, 100 Main St., Monday and Tuesday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Biddeford: Seed of Hope Neighborhood Center, 35 South St., Monday 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Cold drinks and snacks available after 1 p.m.
Oxford: Oxford Community Center, 223 King St., Monday until 4 p.m.
The Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention offers the following recommendations for extreme heat:
1. "Keep Cool, Drink Fluids, Lie Low"
2. Recognize heat-related illnesses
3. Preparing for very hot weather
Remember, if you're hot, your pets are hot, too. The Houlton Humane Society shared some symptoms of pets overheating.
