A number of state parks in Western New York are offering extended hours at state swimming facilities during the current heat wave as a way to help New Yorkers beat the heat, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday.

The extended hours will begin Thursday and continue through Saturday at select locations.

"Extreme heat is forecast for the entire state Thursday through Saturday, with heat indices expected to reach the 100s in some areas," Gov. Hochul said. "Visiting our beautiful State beaches, pools and parks is one of the best ways way to cool off during this upcoming period of extreme heat, and we will be offering extended hours at sites across New York."

Extended hours will be available at the following:

  • Fort Niagara State Park: Extended swimming until 7:45 p.m., Thursday and Friday
  • Beaver Island State Park: Extended swimming until 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday
  • Allegany State Park (Red House & Quaker): Extended swimming at both beaches until 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday

"There's no better place to be on a hot summer day than one of our great state parks. I'm pleased our state parks are able to offer more time for New York families to cool off during this period of extreme heat," State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said.

Swimming may be affected by hazardous weather, staffing or changing water conditions. Click here, or call the park directly, to confirm availability.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown also announced that the following locations will be open as cooling centers on Friday:

  • Arlene Mychajliw Community Center, 82 Harrison St., 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Autumnwood Senior Center, 1800 Clinton St., 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Delavan Grider Community Center, 877 East Delavan Ave., 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • The Belle Center, 104 Maryland St., 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Friends of the Elderly, 118 E. Utica St., 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • George K. Arthur Community Center, 3056 Genesee St., 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Gloria J. Parks Community Center, 3242 Main St., 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Hennepin Community Center, 24 Ludington, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Old First Ward Community Center, 62 Republic St., 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Richmond-Summer Senior Center, 337 Summer St., 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee St., 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Seneca-Babcock Community Center, 1168 Seneca St., 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Tosh Collins Senior Center, 35 Cazenovia St., 9:00 am to 6:00 p.m.

Heat advisories are in place through Friday evening for parts of New York, including Long Island, the New York City Metro area and the Hudson Valley.