The Mercedes Safe Dome will open its doors for individuals seeking shelter from the harsh cold front that arrived Thursday morning, according to a tweet from Hidalgo County. 

As of Thursday morning, temperatures throughout the Rio Grande Valley were beginning to decrease: from 56 degrees in McAllen to 60 degrees in Harlingen. However, conditions are expected to drop steadily throughout the weekend and into next week, the National Weather Services in Brownsville reported

From Saturday through Monday, the Mercedes Safe Dome will begin accepting individuals from 8 p.m. through midnight, with shelter hours running from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

In addition to following COVID-19 precautions, the dome will be operating with limited capacity due to the pandemic. 

Officials say if there are no occupants, the shelter will be demobilized at midnight on the aforementioned days. 

Cots will be available for occupants, but the shelter reminded those who wish to attend to bring their prescription medication, chargers and blankets. No pets are allowed. 

For more information, contact the Mercedes Public Library at (956) 565-2371 or Mercedes Dispatch at (956) 565-3102 after 5 p.m. 

The shelter is located at 1202 N. Vermont Ave. in Mercedes.