YORK COUNTY – Whether you live on the coast or inland, this weekend’s weather is expected to be hot. In fact, it’s going to be a scorcher. Temperatures are forecast to be in the 80s today – but well into the 90s on Saturday and Sunday, with high humidity. Add in the heat index and the temperature in southwestern Maine on Saturday will feel like it is in the 100s, according to information from the National Weather Service in Gray.

For many, that means making sure they’re well-hydrated by drinking lots of water, wearing sunscreen, wearing loose, light-colored clothing and pacing their activity – taking it easy.

Others, like those 65 and older, people with chronic illnesses, and young children may need closer monitoring in high temperatures, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, called COPD, asthma or other lung diseases should be particularly alert to symptoms, according to a local physician.

“I think that patients with COPD especially, anything they can do to avoid the hot, humid weather is very important,” said Dr. Scott Morin, a pulmonologist at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford and Sanford. “If they do have air conditioning, stay inside; the same applies to people with asthma.”

Morin said patients with COPD and asthma need to be prepared. They should make sure they know how to use their medications and inhalers properly, and if they use a home nebulizer, to make sure it is functioning properly, he said. Patients with persistent symptoms are usually prescribed a daily medication to keep their airway open, along with what Dr. Morin described as a “rescue medication” as well. Making sure those who have been prescribed with those medications have both of them is important, the doctor said.

He said he encourages his patients not to wait, but to call early if they have symptoms. He said in some cases, patients with those diseases may need to seek medical attention at an urgent care facility, or hospital department.

As of Thursday afternoon, two York County communities had indicated there will be cooling stations available at times to be determined over the weekend.

Temperatures in Alfred, which is hosting its annual summer festival over the weekend, are expected to be in the high 90s on Saturday and the Town Hall will be open that day during festival hours as a cooling station, according to the municipality. As well, Parsons Memorial Library, also air-conditioned, will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for a book sale, and Conant Chapel of Alfred Parish Church will keep their air conditioning turned on Saturday afternoon.

As well, South Berwick Community Center is expected to be open as a cooling station, during the afternoon and evening, according to York County Emergency Management Agency, with precise hours to be determined.

Cooling stations may be set up in other communities. Folks can dial 211 Maine for information.

In Sanford, the city’s EMA director, Alex Hammerle, said those without air conditioning might want to consider walking around an air-conditioned retail store or enclosed mall, visit a local library, or take in a movie in an air-conditioned theater during the hottest time of day. He urged people to make sure they drink plenty of water and said eating eat chilled foods, and taking a cool shower can help.

Residents are also encouraged to check on their elderly family members and neighbors.

The Maine Animal Welfare Program is reminding pet and livestock owners to take extra steps to protect their animals.

Owners should keep their pet at home in the shade, air conditioning, or a cool basement, a news release from the agency, a program of the state Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry advised. If you have livestock, make sure they have plenty of shade and water, the program advised.

According to the National Weather Service, overnight lows are expected to remain “well above” 70 over the area on Friday and Saturday.

While Saturday is forecast to be the hottest day of the weekend, Sunday’s temperatures are forecast to be in the mid-90s  in central York County, and in the low 80s  on Monday.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 780-9016 or twells@journaltribune.com.