LEWISTON — With extreme temperatures in the forecast, Lewiston and Auburn have opened cooling centers to help the public escape the heat.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for the region through 8 p.m. Friday.

In Lewiston, residents can go to the Lewiston Public Library at 200 Lisbon St., which will be open to those looking to cool off from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m Friday. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Masking is required at the library for anyone 5 and older who has not been vaccinated, while masks are optional for those who are.

In Auburn, city staff is offering the Auburn Senior Community Center to the public, open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday. The center, run by Auburn’s recreation department, is in Pettengill Park.

“Things will be nice and cool there today and tomorrow,” Liz Allen, Auburn’s director of communications, said.