The first cooling center in Riverside open to both people and their pets will be available the rest of this week and through the weekend to escape the rare October heat wave, officials said Wednesday.

"Extreme heat is dangerous, so our cooling centers provide a vital respite during heat waves like this," Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said. "Being able to bring your pet along with you makes it more likely that people will take advantage of this, while keeping our animal friends safe as well."

The pet-friendly cooling center has been established in the Salvador J. Lara Casa Blanca Library at 2985 Madison St. People, dogs and cats are welcome from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

"Pets are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures, and this cooling center is designed to provide a safe refuge for them," Councilman Jim Perry said. "A pet-friendly cooling center is a great place to relax and dream of cooler weather."

There are spaces reserved specifically for animals, complete with water bowls, feed trays and other supplies, according to officials.

Pet owners are required to keep an eye on their four-legged friends at all times. More information is available at riversideca.gov/library/.

The intense heat started Monday in the Riverside metropolitan area and surrounding valleys, and the mercury has passed 100 degrees every afternoon since then.

An Excessive Heat Warning that was supposed to expire Thursday has been extended to 8 p.m. Monday throughout the region.

"Temperatures will remain well above average," according to the National Weather Service. "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room and stay out of the sun."

Daytime highs are predicted to continue around 100 degrees from Thursday to Monday, with lows in the upper 60s.

Information on cooling centers across Riverside County is available at capriverside.org/cool-centers.