City officials in Visalia aren't taking any chances when it comes to predictions of hot weather this weekend.

With the mercury expected to reach into the triple-digits, Visalia is opening up its Transit Center as a community "cooling center" for residents to dodge the heat starting on Friday and continuing through Sunday evening.

The opening was announced today by interim Fire Chief Charlie Norman and city spokeswoman Nancy Loliva.

The center, on Oak Avenue between Bridge and Santa Fe streets at the northeast edge of downtown Visalia, has plenty of seating, as well as vending machines and restrooms. All of the city's transit bus routes connect to the center.

The building will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.