With temperatures forecast to soar to dangerous levels this week, Berks County officials are encouraging older adults to keep cool.

To help with that, the Area Agency on Aging has designated its senior centers as cooling stations.

“Our senior centers are safe, comfortable, air-conditioned spaces where older adults can cool down, stay hydrated and connect with others,” Katie Cathmark, deputy director for the agency, said in a release. “Extreme heat can be particularly dangerous for older adults, and no one should feel they have to face this weather alone.”

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch from noon Wednesday through 8 p.m. Saturday, with dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 108 degrees possible during daytime hours.

The weather service said warm low temperatures in the low to mid-70s at night will not offer any relief from the heat. This combined with multiple days of near-record breaking temperatures will exacerbate the impacts from the heat and humidity.

Cathmark said staying cool is not just about comfort — it’s about safety.

“We encourage everyone to help spread the word and make sure vulnerable residents know they have a place to go,” she said.

Here are the locations of the cooling stations:

• 2144 Weavertown Road, Douglassville.

• 14432 Kutztown Road, Fleetwood.

• 30 Liberty St., Shillington.

• 40 N. Ninth St., Reading.

• 44 East Ave., Strausstown.

• 350 Sportsman Road, Wernersville State Hospital.

• 25 N. Second St., Reading.

• 200 W. Spring St., Boyertown.

The senior centers will be open during normal business hours and will offer:

• Cool, climate-controlled indoor space.

• Access to drinking water and hydration stations.

• Social activities and staff support.

• Information on heat safety resources and assistance programs.

The weather service warns that prolonged heat significantly increases the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly when nighttime temperatures remain high. Older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, and those without access to reliable cooling should take special precautions.

Residents are urged to visit a local senior center to cool down, check on older neighbors, relatives and community members, stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activity during peak heat.

The Area Agency on Aging is also offering free fans to individuals over the age of 60. They can be picked up at 400 E. Wyomissing Blvd. in Mohnton.

AccuWeather’s forecast:

• Tuesday: Hazy sunshine and toasty conditions; caution advised if doing strenuous activities outside; high, 92 (real feel, 97); low, 71.

• Wednesday: Near-record temperatures, humid with hazy sun; dangerous heat; seek time in the shade and stay hydrated; high, 100 (real feel, 110); low, 76.

• Thursday: Record-tying temperatures, humid with hazy sun; heat will be dangerous, especially for those without air conditioning; high, 102 (real feel, 112); low, 78.

• Friday: Lots of sun, very hot, humid with a thunderstorm in the afternoon; stay hydrated as temperatures remain dangerously high; high, 104 (real feel, 113); low, 75.

• Saturday (July Fourth): Temperature breaking the record of 100 last reached in 1966; heavy thunderstorm in the afternoon; dangerously hot for outdoor holiday festivities; stay hydrated; high, 100 (real feel) 111; low, 72.

• Sunday: Sunshine, a few clouds with a thunderstorm possible; hot; high, 95 (real feel) 103; low, 73.