SKOWHEGAN — Warming centers and shelters are opening this weekend across central Maine as bitter cold weather is expected Friday night through Sunday morning.

As of Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service office in Gray had issued an extreme cold warning for Somerset County from 1-10 a.m. Saturday. Wind chill temperatures were expected to be as low as 40 degrees below zero.

In Kennebec County, a cold weather advisory was in place for the same hours, with wind chill temperatures as low as 25 degrees to 30 degrees below zero. 

The arctic blast was expected to continue through Sunday morning, with snow expected Sunday night into Monday, according to the weather service’s forecast issued Friday afternoon.

From Waterville to Augusta, officials have been planning for the dangerously cold weather.

The Maine Emergency Management Agency maintains an updated list of warming centers on its website. Information is also available by dialing 211 or 866-811-5695 or by texting your ZIP code to 898-211 for a list of locations. MEMA also encourages people to contact local town offices, fire departments or police departments for local warming center information.

“During this extreme cold snap, it’s important for people to check on neighbors, especially older adults, those living alone, and anyone without reliable heat,” MEMA Director Pete Rogers said in a statement. “Cold temperatures can quickly become dangerous, and a simple check-in can help prevent emergencies before they happen.”

MEMA also was reminding Mainers of several other safety measures to take during cold weather.

Here is a list of places to stay warm in Kennebec and Somerset counties that announced plans to be open this weekend as of Friday afternoon:

AUGUSTA

Augusta Overnight Shelter, 34 Bridge St: Open 5 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday, 4:30 pm. Saturday to 7:30 a.m. Sunday and 4:30 p.m. Sunday to 7:30 a.m. Monday.

United Community Living Center, 12 Spruce St.: Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

Unitarian Universalist Church, 69 Winthrop St.: Open for breakfast 7-9 a.m. Saturday.

CHELSEA

Chelsea Town Office, 560 Togus Road: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

SKOWHEGAN

Skowhegan Community Center, 39 Poulin Drive: Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The center may also open overnight Saturday, if needed.

STARKS

Starks Community Center Library, 57 Anson Road: Open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

WATERVILLE

Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, 19 Colby St.: Open 24 hours a day.

WINTHROP

Winthrop Fire Station, 1703 U.S. Route 202: Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.