The Community Action Council for Lexington-Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison and Nicholas Counties had only eight air conditioners left to lend in the four-county area Tuesday, as high temperatures continue to push up demand for help.

Fortunately, an additional 48 window air conditioners should be delivered by Friday, said Charlie Lanter, the agency's manager for program development.

The agency's Summer Cooling program lends window air-conditioning units to people in the four-county area who are in need.

Hot weather over the past few weeks has been keeping the program busy, and there's no end in sight. Temperatures in Lexington are expected to be above 90 Wednesday and drop by only a few degrees toward the end of the week.

The Lexington Fayette County Health Department said Tuesday it has received no word of heat-related medical emergencies, although officials are urging the public to take precautions while the heat wave continues.

Lanter said Tuesday it already appears demand for air conditioning help this year will top last year.

"We have loaned out a total of 48 air conditioners since about May, and we gave out 71 units for the whole of last year," he said. "... We're almost definitely going to see a greater demand this year unless it really cools off."

The program relies on public donations for financial support, and Lanter said additional donations may be needed if the high demand for air conditioning continues.

"Every time we've gotten low in the past, we've been able to get the word out to the community and they've always responded," he said.

Individuals can qualify for a loaner air conditioner if their income is no more than 150 percent of federal poverty level — about $33,000 for a family of four — and someone living in their household has a medical condition that could be aggravated by heat, Lanter said.

If you think you qualify or want to donate, call 1-800-244-2275, Lanter said.