In Western New York, most of us wait a long time for hot, summer weather. Good news, it's here! Bad news, it's HOT, like HOT HOT! Please take caution this week. Temperatures will be in the 80s and 90s with feels like temps in the high 90s and even over 100 degrees.

***For the general public*** take breaks, plan time to rest, and stay hydrated with water. Avoid strenuous activities during the times of highest heat (from 11 a.m. through 6 p.m.). Find some shade or a cool spot and spend some time there. If you are able to cool off on a splash pad or in a pool, don't forget that sunscreen!!! Check in on family, friends, and neighbors that may need help to get fans or air conditioning installed.

***Community libraries are our cooling stations.*** If you need a break from the heat in some air conditioning, take a trip to your local library to take in the quiet, the cool, and enjoy a book.

Our libraries:

>> Allegany Public Library - 90 West Main St in Allegany - open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mon through Fri

>> Blount Library - 5 North Main St in Franklinville - opens at 9 a.m. Mon through Sat, closing times vary

>> Cattaraugus Free Library - 21 Main St in Cattaraugus - opens at 11 a.m. Mon through Fri, closing times vary, open Sat from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

>> Delevan - Yorkshire Public Library - 28 School St in Delevan - opens at 1 p.m. Mon through Fri, closing times vary, and open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sat

>> Ellicottville Memorial Library - 6499 Maples Rd in Ellicottville - opens at 10 a.m. Mon through Sat, closes at 5 p.m. most days but open until 8 p.m. on Tues and Wed

>> Gowanda Free Library - 56 West Main St in Gowanda - opens at 10 a.m. Mon through Fri, closes at 4 p.m. on all days except Wed when they are open until 7 p.m.

>> King Memorial Library - 9538 Route 16 in Machias - open Mon 12 - 6 p.m., Tues 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Wed 12 - 6 p.m., Thurs 10 a.m. - 6p.m., Fri 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., and Sat 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

>> Memorial Library of Little Valley - 110 Rock City St in Little Valley - open Mon, Tues and Thurs 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Fri 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sat 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

>> Olean Public Library - 134 North 2nd St in Olean - open Mon through Thurs 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. , Fri 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

>> Portville Free Library - 2 North Main St in Portville - open Mon 1 - 8 p.m., Tues 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thurs 1 - 8 p.m., Fri 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sat 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

>> Randolph Library - 26 Jamestown St in Randolph - open Mon, Tues, and Thurs 12 - 8 p.m., Wed 4- 8 p.m., Fri 10 a.m. - 5p.m., and Sat 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

>> Salamanca Public Library - 155 Wildwood Ave in Salamanca - opens at 9 a.m. Mon through Sat, closings times vary

>> Seneca Nation Library - Allegany Branch - 830 Broad St Ext in Salamanca - open Mon through Fri at 8 a.m., closing times vary 5 or 7 p.m., Sat open 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

>> Seneca Nation Library - Cattaraugus Branch - 3 Thomas Indian School Dr in Irving - open Mon through Fri at 8 a.m., closing times vary 4:30 or 7 p.m., Sat open 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Library info available online at: https://www.cclsny.org/memberlibraries/

***First Responders and those that must work outdoors*** Stock your vehicles with water and hydrating beverages ahead of time. Make plans to take breaks often, call for extra personnel to take the burden off, and utilize your rehab protocols/ procedures to rest, rehydrate, and recuperate.

Please take this heat seriously. People die every year from heat exposure alone. Be prepared and stay safe!