High temps prompt air quality alert and cooling centers open

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - With the forecast calling for high heat and an air quality alert in effect for all of western New York on Wednesday, the mayor of Buffalo has opened 17 cooling centers across the city.

The air quality alert was issued by the National Weather Service and lasts from 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. on Wednesday.

Ozone levels are predicted to be higher than normal and the NYS Health Department recommends limiting strenuous outdoor activity. People with asthma or heart disease or another respiratory problem should take special care.

>> Get the full forecast from the 4 Warn Weather team here. It's going to be a hot one!

Meanwhile, Mayor Byron Brown has opened 17 cooling centers on Tuesday and they will remain open through Thursday to help seniors and others escape the heat wave. The list of cooling centers follows:

• Abley Senior Citizens, 24 Ludington Street, 9AM-6PM
• Autumnwood Senior Center, 1800 Clinton Street, 9AM-8PM
• CAO, 422 Pratt, 9AM-8PM
• Senior Ctr., Richmond Street and Summer, 9AM-8PM
• Delavan-Grider Community Ctr., 877 East Delavan, 9AM-8PM
• Edward Saunders Community Ctr., 2777 Bailey Ave., 9AM-9PM
• Father Belle Center, 104 Maryland Street, 9AM-9 PM
• Friends to the Elderly, Inc. (Dorothy Collier Center), 118 East Utica, 9AM-5:30PM
• Gloria J. Parks Community Center, 3242 Main Street, 9AM-6:30PM
• North Buffalo Community Center, 203 Sanders Road, 9AM-8PM
• Northwest Community Center, 155 Lawn Avenue, 9AM-8PM
• Old First Ward Community Center, 62 Republic Street, 9AM-8PM
• Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee Street, 9AM-6PM
• Seneca Babcock Community Center, 1168 Seneca Street, 9AM-6:30PM
• Valley Community Association Senior Citizens, 93 Leddy Street, 9AM-8PM
• West Side Community Services, 161 Vermont Street, 9AM-9PM
• William-Emslie YMCA Senior Center, 585 William Street, 9AM-8PM

Town of Evans cooling centers (open at noon)-

- Lake Erie Beach Fire Company

- Highland Hose Fire Company

- Evans Center Fire Company

- Town of Evans Senior Center

>> For a list of splash pads that are open in the city, follow this link