With possible record-breaking temperatures and a forecasted high heat index to end the week, the City of Worcester is opening three cooling centers to help residents escape the heat.

The three facilities are the Worcester Public Library main branch, the Worcester Public Library Frances Perkins branch and the Worcester Senior Center. All three locations will be open as cooling centers during their normal operating hours Thursday and Friday.

Water will be available at each of the three sites, and the city's Quality of Life team members will be distributing water across the city Thursday and Friday as well.

City officials advised residents to limit strenuous physical activity, stay hydrated and check on neighbors.