Irene Reveles and Thomas Leon found a comfortable spot inside the Manteca Transit Center.

The City of Manteca’s Cooling Center provided refuge for the two amid scorching triple-digit temperatures – the 105-degree conditions on Tuesday afternoon was enough for the National Weather Service issued out an excessive heat warning.

“We like it here (at the Transit Center) because it’s bigger and more private,” said Reveles, as she and Leon prepared to enjoy a pizza and pasta meal accompanied with ice-cold drinks they brought with them while comfortably away from the other patrons.

About that time, cooling center volunteer Ken Sanders perused the place, noticing strong numbers of folks taking advantage of the amenities – they have a place to charge their cellphones, connect to wi-fi, and can get their complimentary bottled water, hand sanitizers, or face masks.

“We’ve been averaging 10 to 19 (people) on a daily basis,” he said.

The Manteca Cooling Center is one of several cooling zones throughout San Joaquin County in place to help residents beat the heat.

The Transit Center at 220 Moffat Blvd. is being used this year due to work being conducted at the Manteca Senior Center, said Manteca Fire Department Battalion Chief Dave Marques a few days earlier.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, those dropping in are required to follow all safety protocols such as social distancing, wearing face covering, and using hand sanitizer.

The Cooling Center is open from 1 to 9 p.m. through Thursday. At least for now.

“We’re pleased with the numbers,” said Sanders, who reported a total of 76 people taking advantage of the cool indoor conditions of 72 degrees.

He’s a longtime volunteer with the City’s Community Emergency Response Team. Sanders

Reveles, Leon and Matthew Clark are among those who have been regulars since its opening.

“We’re just happy to be here,” Leon said.

Ditto that for Clark, who grew up in Manteca. He brought his charging station for his cellphone along with reading and writing materials at his usual spot in the cooling center.

More hot weather is in the forecast for the next few days. After a drop of the high down to 97 on Thursday, the National Weather Service is forecasting another string of eight 100 degree plus days.

Ripon Cooling Center

The Heartland Community Church at 518 W. Main St. is serving as the Ripon Cooling Center.

The Youth Center on the brown house property is the City of Ripon’s designated area for residents to escape the heat.

The cooling area is open from 3 to 6 p.m. this week.

Lathrop Cooling Center

The Lathrop Generations Center at 450 Spartan Way is where residents can seek refuge from the heat this week.

For more information, call 209.941.7372.