Predicted to be the most uncomfortable air of the season so far, a heat wave will arrive across Northwest Indiana Saturday pushing the heat index into triple digits and it is expected to last through at least Monday, according to the National Weather Service. That’s pushed several communities to open cooling centers for the safety of residents.

The NWS forecast said it will be oppressively hot and humid most days, with temperatures staying in the 90s well into the evening on most days.

To find a cooling shelter in your community, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration advises residents to call 2-1-1 or else 886-211-9966.

Gary

If the air temperature or heat index is above 89 degrees, shelter from the heat will be available at Calumet Township Multipurpose Center, 1900 W. 41st Avenue from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Monroe Smith Warming and Cooling Center, located at 4101 Washington St., which will be open from 12 – 6 p.m. Brothers’ Keeper, 2120 Broadway, will also be open as a cooling center from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., but it is only accessible for adults.

Griffith

The town does not have a designated cooling center, but if there are any extensive power outages or emergencies in town, the North Fire Station will be open and available to citizens. The station is located at 1601 N. Indiana St. If someone is having difficulty, they can go to the police station lobby, located at 115 N. Broad St., and make a request for assistance or dial 911 in an emergency.

Highland

Residents can use the Lincoln Community Center, 2450 Lincoln Street, to cool off from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Hobart

The lobby of the Hobart Police Station, 705 E. 4th St., will be open. The Maria Reiner Center, located at 705 E. 4th St., is open to all Hobart citizens over the age of 55, and the Hobart Public Library, located at 100 Main St., has regular hours and programs for all ages.

Merrillville

The Dean and Barbara White Community Center, located at 6600 Broadway, serves as a cooling center while it is open — 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday.

Porter County

All of the locations in the Porter County Public Library system serve as cooling centers during regular business hours. The branches are in Hebron, Kouts, Portage, South Haven and Valparaiso. For more information on branch hours and locations, go to https://pcpls.org/.

Valparaiso

The City of Valparaiso has announced the availability of a community organization serving as cooling centers to help keep the city safe during the heat wave.

The Valparaiso YMCA, located at 1202 Cumberland Crossing, will be open from 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday.

The Porter County Public Library, Valparaiso Branch, which is located at 103 Jefferson St., will be open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

CoAction, located at 2001 Calumet Ave., will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Daybreak Resource Center, located at 500 Don Hovey Dr., will be open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday

In addition, the Valparaiso Police Department offers a special program for individuals who may need special help during weather emergencies. The Contact Assistance Referral (CARE) Program means the VPD will check on residents during harsh weather. To register yourself or a loved one for CARE, contact Social Worker Natalie Kasberger at nkasberger @valpopd.com or 219-462-2135.