With some of the hottest weather of the year settling over Moore County, local officials are opening a temporary cooling station for anyone who needs a break from the dangerous heat.

Beginning Thursday, July 2, residents can cool off inside the Moore County Sports Complex at 155 Hillcrest Park Lane in Carthage. The cooling station will be open daily from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. through Monday, July 6, offering an air-conditioned place to escape the afternoon heat.

The cooling station is intended to provide temporary relief during the hottest part of the day. It is not an emergency shelter, so overnight stays and food service will not be available.

If you’re bringing the family, the Sports Complex’s splash pad is also open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Keep in mind that pets are not allowed inside the building unless they are service animals.

The cooling station comes as Moore County remains under dangerous heat, with temperatures expected to climb into the upper 90s and heat index values soaring well into the triple digits through the holiday weekend.

Health officials recommend taking extra precautions if you’ll be spending time outdoors. Drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the afternoon whenever possible.

It’s also important to keep an eye on those who are more vulnerable to the heat, including older adults, young children and neighbors who may not have access to air conditioning. And as always, never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.

If you or someone you know needs a place to cool down during this stretch of extreme heat, the temporary cooling station will be available each afternoon through Monday.