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Nancy Yang

Where to stay cool in the Twin Cities during this week's heat wave

Beat the heat
Stay cool this week -- the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for a good chunk of the state through Friday.
Marlin Levison | AP via the Star Tribune 2013

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An oppressive and dangerous heat wave has settled into Minnesota, with temperatures potentially cracking triple-digit territory. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for a good portion of the state through Friday.

MPR News meteorologist Ron Trenda says highs in the 90s and dew point temperatures in the 70s will lead to heat index values in the 100- to 116-degree range.

Thursday is expected to be the hottest day this week.

Health officials are encouraging people to practice heat safety by staying hydrated and limiting outdoor activities. People are also encouraged to check up on friends, neighbors and those without air conditioning.

Don't fret if you're one of those without AC. Several organizations have set up cooling centers to help people beat the heat.

Salvation Army centers

Locations in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday.

The Harbor Light Center in Minneapolis will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Saturday.

Hennepin and Ramsey counties

Hennepin County has compiled an interactive map, also available on mobile devices, listing cooling centers throughout the area.

They include places like libraries, recreation centers and shopping malls.

Ramsey County has done the same. Check out their map here.

Noteworthy: Library locations in Roseville and Maplewood will remain open until midnight on Wednesday and Thursday.

Bloomington

The city has compiled a list of air-conditioned public spaces in Bloomington, Edina and Richfield.

St. Paul

All recreation centers have expanded hours, opening by 10 a.m. and staying open until at least 8 p.m. Some centers will stay open until 10 p.m.

Recreation centers without air conditioning will have water hoses and sprinklers available to cool down visitors.

Como Regional Park Pool and Highland Park Aquatic Center are open for regular open swim hours (noon to 8 p.m.); splash pad hours have been extended until 9 p.m.

The Arlington Hills Library, Rondo Library and Rice Street Library will all have extended hours until 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

Know of other cooling centers not listed? Let us know.