The Washtenaw County Health Center opened two cooling centers in response to the excessive heat warning that lasted until 10 p.m. Thursday.

The centers (555 Towner, Ypsilanti and 200 N. Main, Ann Arbor) were stocked with water and provided air conditioning for free to the public.

“We saw about 90 people at the Towner location, but most of them had appointments and were passing through,” Denise Wirtz of Emergency Management said.

Free rides to the cooling centers, provided by the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, were also provided to seniors and those with disabilities or severe heat sensitive conditions. Wirtz said one person utilized the service.

The National Weather Service reported temperatures reached 98 degrees in Ypsilanti on Wednesday while much of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula pushed into the upper 90s as well. The heat warning for Washtenaw County has been lifted for now; however, the Health Center continues to urge people to stay safe in the heat by following four steps: hydrate, educate, act quickly and take it easy.

For more information on precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses, visit the Health Center’s website at www.ewashtenaw.org.