Moreno Valley extreme heat alert July 23–July 27: Cooling centers & heat illness signs

Moreno Valley is under an National Weather Service Extreme Heat Warning starting Thursday, July 23 at 3:41 a.m. and continuing through Monday, July 27 at 8:00 p.m. During the warning, expect highs in the low-to-mid 100s—with 103°F Thursday, 104°F Friday, and 105°F Saturday—followed by 103°F on Sunday and near 100°F on Monday. Riverside University Health System (RUHS) is urging residents—especially children, seniors, and people who work outdoors—to watch for heat illness and use local cooling options.

Heat illness 101: know the red flags

Heat illness can escalate quickly in extreme temperatures. RUHS distinguishes between heat stroke and heat exhaustion:

• Heat stroke (emergency): confusion, loss of consciousness, hot and dry skin (sweating may still occur in some cases), and seizures. RUHS says prompt medical attention is required.
• Heat exhaustion: headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, thirst, heavy sweating, and irritability. RUHS recommends moving to a cool, shaded area, removing unnecessary clothing, and drinking sips of cool water. RUHS also advises seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

Moreno Valley cool centers: where to cool down

The City of Moreno Valley says cool centers open when temperatures climb to 97 degrees and above. The city notes that cool centers are available to any resident having trouble dealing with extreme heat, and that they’re especially helpful for senior citizens and people with health conditions that may worsen in excessively hot weather.

City cooling centers (with posted hours):

• Cottonwood Golf Center, 13671 Frederick St. (Leashed pets accepted). Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (closed Tuesdays).
• Senior Center, 25075 Fir Ave. Hours: Mon.–Fri., 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sat.–Sun., 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Moreno Valley Public Library – Main, 25480 Alessandro Blvd. Hours: Mon.–Thur., 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Fri., 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Sat., 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sun., noon – 5:00 p.m.
• Library – Iris Plaza Branch, 16170 Perris Blvd. (Iris Ave. and Perris Blvd.). Hours: Mon.–Fri., 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Sat., 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

City heat safety reminders include drinking plenty of water, limiting outdoor exercise, avoiding alcohol and caffeinated drinks, and wearing light-colored clothing with air circulation.

Practical steps to take now (before symptoms start)

RUHS recommends that residents:

• Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity, take breaks, and stay in the shade.
• Keep a friend nearby if you’re outdoors for an extended time.
• Check on elderly neighbors, children, and pets.
• Never leave children or pets inside a parked car, even for a short time.

Cooling centers can help you cool off, but they are not a substitute for medical care. If warning signs suggest heat stroke, RUHS says to get prompt medical attention.

Bottom line: Plan cooling breaks during the July 23–July 27 warning window, not after symptoms begin. Use Moreno Valley’s posted cool center hours when temperatures hit 97°F and above, and keep a close eye on anyone at higher risk—especially children, seniors, and outdoor workers.

Sources

• National Weather Service (NWS) — Moreno Valley Extreme Heat Warning (MapClick)
• Riverside University Health System (RUHS) Public Health — heatwave guidance (July 22, 2026)
• City of Moreno Valley — Cool Centers page (locations + hours)