Kimberly George

Staff Photo by Tim Barber Will Hale, director of volunteer services and special events at the Salvation Army, delivers the last four donated fans to the E. 28th Street location in East Lake.

Staff Photo by Gillian Bolsover Greg Gates, left, and Michael Pyburn try to stay cool while working on building a playground at the Chattanooga Zoo Friday. Friday's temperatures hit 97 and warm weather is expected to continue through next week.

As temperatures soared into the upper 90s Friday, local charity groups provided a little bit of relief for those without homes to hide from the sun.

Staff at the Salvation Army set up a hydration station to provide water and sports drinks to homeless people, while workers at the Chattanooga Community Kitchen provided water and an air-conditioned respite.

Salvation Army spokeswoman Kimberly George said the group has held its Beat the Heat program for nearly 10 years, but this year's campaign started off earlier than usual.

"Typically it's July when we kick it off," she said.

Meteorologists say a ridge of high pressure moved in and caused upper-level air to sink air that warmed and dried out.

"It all works together to make some pretty hot days," said Terry Getz, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Morristown, Tenn.

The official high at Chattanooga Municipal Airport was 96 -- below the record of 99 degrees set in 1952 but well above the average high of 87. The heat index reached 100 about 4 p.m.

Temperatures are expected to reach 98 today and 94 Sunday before dropping back to the low 90s for Monday and Tuesday, according to forecasters.

People on the street or in homes without air conditioning felt the heat more than most.

Jens Christensen, a spokesman for the Community Kitchen, said the center has seen an increase in the number of people visiting its air-conditioned day area, which provides a cool spot as well as water fountains and ice.

"We're definitely having people stay longer to keep cool," he said.

In addition to the hydration station, the Salvation Army also handed out fans to people without air conditioning. Ms. George said about 90 people requested fans, but the center was able to supply only about 40.

Mr. Christensen said summer normally is a high-demand time when people don't donate as much as they do during cold months.

"We actually find the hot weather is more dangerous to homeless clients," he said.

Both groups are asking for donations of water, sports drinks, sunscreen and money to help the homeless. The Salvation Army also is asking for new box fans.

To donate call the Army at 1-800-Sal-Army or the Community Kitchen at 423-756-4222.