Middleboro and Lakeville are opening their council on aging buildings for anyone needing to cool off during the ongoing heat wave.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory through 8 p.m. Saturday, July 29. 

High temperatures are expected to hit 90 degrees Thursday; 92 degrees Friday and 90 degrees Saturday. A welcome cool off is predicted Sunday, when high temperatures will be no higher than 78, according to the forecast.

The National Weather Service heat advisory indicates that most of the state will experience heat index values of 95 to 104 degrees on Thursday and Friday afternoon. Those hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat illnesses.  

The Middleboro Council on Aging, 558 Plymouth St., is available during its normal hours of operation, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, for anyone looking for an air conditioned location. 

Coffee is usually available, Council on Aging Executive Director Holly Begley said, and there are puzzles and a reading area. She welcomes people needing to cool off to “take advantage of air conditioning if they are in a place where there is no air conditioning.’’

The Lakeville Council on Aging, located at 1 Dear Crossing, next to Ted Williams Camp/Loon Pond Lodge, will be opened by request if there are residents in need of relief from the heat conditions. The facility will only be opened for this purpose if there are requests for assistance.

Assistance can be requested by calling 508-947-4121. Lakeville Firefighters, along with Council on Aging leadership, will make the facility available to those needing assistance. Visitors will be requested to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.

Lakeville emergency officials are requesting that Lakeville residents be good neighbors. Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, with medical conditions, who may need additional assistance and who may not have air conditioning. Make them aware that helps is available. 

For heat-related assistance, call 508-947-4121. For help in an emergency situation, call 911.

To reduce the risks of heat-related illness including heat stroke and heat exhaustion, state officials urge residents to minimize time spent outdoors, especially during the hottest parts of the day; stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.

Also, never leave children or pets in the car alone, because temperatures can rise to unhealthy levels very quickly.