The warmest temperatures of the summer are in store for this week and into the weekend in central Illinois.
DeWitt County Emergency Management Agency Director Teresa Barnett says heat index values will be in the triple digits through the weekend.
The elderly, children and pets need to be watched closely during this time. Barnett encourages those who live near an elderly person to frequently check on them and to keep a close eye on children and pets.
Cooling centers will be opened up for this stretch of weather. Barnett says the DeWitt County Friendship Center (Thursday and Friday) and the Warner Library (Thursday through Saturday) will be opened starting Thursday.
Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s all the way into the weekend with heat index values consistently in the triple-digits.
An excessive heat watch has been issued until Saturday evening.