Extreme heat once again forecast for Paso Robles, city extends cooling center hours

PASO ROBLES, Calif. -- Excessive heat is once again in the forecast for Paso Robles on Tuesday.

With temperatures expected to soar above 110 degrees, the city has announced it is extending the hours at its temporary cooling center.

The cooling center is located in the Centennial Park gym at 600 Nickerson Drive and is now scheduled to remain open until 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

"When we reviewed the forecast yesterday and looked at the air quality, we decided the responsible thing to do was to extend the hours through Wednesday," said Lynda Plescia, Paso Robles Recreation Services Manager.

People needing relief from the heat will be allowed inside during the hours between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

"It's free drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m," said Plescia. "We're screening people before we allow them to come into the main room, and then they're welcome to stay throughout the day. We have cold water. They're able to plug into the power if they need to. We have WiFi support, so it's just a good place to come and get some relief from the extreme temperatures out there."

Pets are not allowed inside the gymnasium. Pet owners can take their animals to the North County Animal Center, located at 825 24th Street.

Visitors to the cooling center will undergo a wellness check before entering and face coverings are required.

"In order to ensure people's safety here, we make sure to screen them and provide a temperature screening," said Plescia. "We have a cool down location if they have to cool down at first and we even have an isolation room prepared if somebody should need to be out of the heat, but may not necessarily pass the screening. We're keeping them far apart, but families are welcome to come in and sit together."

Due to COVID-19 safety measures, capacity is limited.

For more information, the public can call (805) 391-0988