Mayor Wu declares heat emergency in Boston as region braces for stretch of scorching temperatures

BOSTON — Mayor Michelle Wu on Monday declared a heat emergency in Boston as the region braces for a stretch of scorching hot temperatures.

The emergency is in effect for Tuesday through Thursday with temperatures expected to be in the mid to high 90s.

“We’re working quickly to make sure all of our Boston residents and families are protected during this week’s extreme weather,” Wu said in a statement. “It is clear that a changing climate is a risk to our health and communities. I urge everyone to stay cool and safe, and check on your neighbors during the week. I’m thankful for the many City employees who are preparing for this emergency and will be responding to calls for service throughout our neighborhoods.”

To help residents beat the heat, cooling centers will be open at 12 Boston Centers for Youth & Families community centers Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A full list of centers can be found at boston.gov/heat. Due to the rising COVID-19 case count, the use of masks in cooling centers is strongly recommended.

More than 50 splash pads will also be open at parks and playgrounds throughout Boston. Select indoor BCYF pools are open and the outdoor BCYF Mirabella Pool is open Wednesday through Sunday. Registration for a time to swim can be found at this link.

Wu shared the following safety tips:

• Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of time.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine.
• Keep cool with frequent cool showers, shade, and air conditioning or fans.
• Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas and be extra cautious from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is strongest.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle aches could all be signs of heat exhaustion. If symptoms persist, call 911 immediately. Do not delay care. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. and can exacerbate underlying illnesses.
• Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing including long sleeve shirts and hats.
• If you have a child in your home, use child window guards in addition to screens on any open window on the second story or above. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six.
• Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• If you are heading to a beach, lake, or pool to beat the heat, swim where lifeguards are present. Always watch children near the water and make sure they’re wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.
• Please call or check on neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities.
• Please keep pets indoors, hydrated, and cool as asphalt and ground conditions are significantly hotter and unsafe during heat.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the Boston 25 Weather page.

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