Children flocked to Boston Common Wednesday to cool off. (Josh Berlinger for WBUR)
Record-level heat is forecast for parts of Massachusetts as summer arrives. (Though, technically, summer officially arrives at 7:09 p.m. Wednesday, with the solstice.)
Through Wednesday evening, heat advisories are in effect for Greater Boston and other areas of inland Massachusetts. Temperatures are forecast to climb into the 90s and humidity will push the heat index up to 102, according to the National Weather Service.
“Heat indices up to 102 degrees will result in dangerous conditions for those spending prolonged periods of time outside,” the weather service said in its advisory.
The Associated Press adds:
It will also be hot in coastal areas, and an air quality alert is being issued for Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts.
Public officials are reminding residents to stay out of the heat as much as possible and remain hydrated. (See below for additional beat-the-heat tips.)
“In these conditions we must remember to stay cool and hydrated and keep an eye on our vulnerable neighbors,” Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said as he issued a city heat advisory.
“Those at greatest risk for developing a heat-related illness are children under five years of age and people 65 years of age and older, who have the least ability to regulate their body temperatures,” Dr. Joseph Schmidt, of Baystate Medical Center, told the Springfield Republican in a release.
Boston (see PDF here) and Worcester are among several Massachusetts cities that have opened cooling centers. The City of Boston’s website also lists parks with water spray features and open state pools.
The heat is expected to set new temperature records Wednesday or Thursday.
According to WBZ-TV meteorologist Terry Eliasen, the June 20 record for Boston is 98 degrees, set back in 1953. And Wednesday or Thursday could be Boston’s first 100-degree day in June since 1952, according to Terry.
Update at 3:45 p.m.: The largest electric company in Massachusetts told our Newscast unit it is ready for extra energy usage as people turn on air conditioners to fight the heat.
“This type of weather does push the electric systems to the limit, though,” said NStar spokesman Mike Durand. “So all necessary workers are on hand to monitor use and respond to any scattered outages that may occur.”
– Here are beat-the-heat tips from the Red Cross (and more from the City of Boston):
Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
Eat small meals and eat more often.
Avoid extreme temperature changes.
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Ensure they have water and a shady place to rest.
Open all references in tabs: [1 – 10]