The National Weather Service issued a "Heat Advisory" for counties and cities in Missouri that includes Columbia, Jefferson City and Mexico.  It issued the warning after weather conditions threatened a heat index exceeding 100 degrees.

The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services has set up what are called Cooling Centers in Columbia.  These are places where residents without air-conditioning access can go to cool off during the hot parts of the day.  The locations are open during their regular business hours and provide air-conditioning and/or drinking water.

The Cooling Center locations are as follows:

-ARC - 1707 W. Ash Street
-Armory Sports and Community Center - 701 E. Ash Street
-Columbia Public Library - 100 W. Broadway
-Columbia Mall - 2300 Bernadette Drive
-Health Department - 1005 W. Worley
-Oakland Senior Center - 805 Old HWY 63 North
-Paquin Towers - 1201 Paquin Street

Columbia isn't the only Mid-Missouri city with Cooling Centers.  Jefferson City Residents can head to the Capital Mall, the Missouri River Regional Library and the Salvation Army's Center For Hope.

The Moberly-Index Reports Moberly residents can go to the following stores and locations:

-Wal-Mart Super Center that is open 24 hours a day.
-Higbee Community Center, open from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will stay open later, if needed.
-Randolph County Health Department on East Logan Street in Moberly, open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and will extend hours, if needed.
-Little Dixie Regional Libraries in Moberly and Huntsville. The Moberly library is open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The Huntsville library is open from noon until 7 p.m. on Monday, noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Hours may be extended, if needed."

Back in Columbia, Geni Alexander, the Public Information Officer for the Public Heath Department noted many of the Columbia locations are along bus routes, and people should avoid exerting themselves whenever possible outdoors during this sort of heat.

Alexander also said, "Watch yourself for signs of heat stress.  And, try to avoid a lot strenuous activity at one time."

Other things to do to prevent heat related illnesses include:

-Dress for the heat
-Drink water and avoid alcohol
-Eat small meals
-Stay indoors when possible