Residents of St. Joseph and Elkhart counties are being urged to take precautions as an extended stretch of dangerous heat settles into northern Indiana this week.

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning through Thursday evening, with afternoon heat index values expected to reach 100 to 105 degrees and overnight temperatures offering little relief.

In St. Joseph County, several public buildings are serving as cooling centers, including the Charles Black Community Center, Howard Park Event Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Center, O’Brien Fitness Center and local public library branches. The City of South Bend is encouraging anyone without reliable air conditioning to take advantage of the facilities during operating hours.

In Elkhart County, residents can cool off at Guidance Ministries, 216 North 2nd St, Elkhart. Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Faith Mission, 801 Benham Avenue in Elkhart, as well as public libraries throughout the county, while the Goshen Public Library during regular business hours.

Health officials recommend drinking plenty of water, limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, wearing lightweight clothing, and checking on elderly neighbors, young children and anyone without access to air conditioning. Officials also remind residents never to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.

Residents seeking additional cooling center locations can also contact Indiana 2-1-1.