The excessive heat warning for much of the East County will remain in effect until 7 p.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures in Elma are forecast at 97 degrees Thursday, prompting the city to open a cooling center.

Meanwhile, Amanda Park, Grisdale and Montesano are under a heat advisory, with temperatures rising into the mid-90s on Thursday, with little relief at night with lows in the mid-60s on Thursday and Friday.

In Aberdeen and Hoquiam, the National Weather Service has forecast highs approaching 90 degrees on Thursday, with overnight low temperatures near 60 degrees. Westport and Ocean Shores are forecast to be much cooler on the hottest day of the week, Thursday, with highs in the low- to mid-70s.

Temperatures will drop significantly starting Friday, with a high of 75 in Hoquiam and a low of 58. By the weekend, high temperatures in Aberdeen and Hoquiam will return to the mid- to upper-60s. East County will remain warm Friday, about 90 degrees, cooling to the mid-80s on Saturday and the mid-70s on Sunday.

The cooling center in Elma is in the senior center, 100 W. Main St., and will be open through Friday, 2-8 p.m.

— The Daily World