Weather

Heat emergency declared in Boston over ‘dangerous’ temperatures and humidity

“Guidance continues to be in excellent agreement that the peak of the heat occurs Wednesday and Thursday.”

By Dialynn Dwyer

June 17, 2024

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Mayor Michelle Wu declared a heat emergency for the City of Boston on Monday, which will be in effect Tuesday through Thursday, as “dangerous” heat and humidity descends on the region. 

The National Weather Service is warning that it could feel as hot as 104 degrees in Boston, with forecasters cautioning residents across Southern New England to limit physical activity outside and stay hydrated. 

“We continue to beat the drum regarding an extended stretch of dangerous heat and humidity which will stretch through the end of the week,” forecasters wrote. “Guidance continues to be in excellent agreement that the peak of the heat occurs Wednesday and Thursday. Relief won’t come quickly, though, as it will be a more gradual easing of high temperatures from Friday to the weekend.”

Governor Maura Healey urged residents to make a plan for staying safe in the high temperatures, which forecasters have said could be near record-breaking.

“With several straight days of hot and humid weather expected this week, it’s essential that Massachusetts residents make a plan to stay  safe – including keeping hydrated, limiting strenuous activity and checking in on one another,” Healey said in a statement. “We encourage people to cool off at DCR’s waterfronts, beaches and splash decks, or check out the cooling centers in your town.” 

In Boston, the city will open cooling centers at 14 Boston Centers for Youth & Families community centers Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can also make use of splash pads that are open at parks and playgrounds and the city pools that are open.

With 10 Boston Public School buildings without air conditioning, the city said affected students and families are being urged to stay well hydrated and “dress appropriately.”

“These buildings all have a surplus supply of fans available,” the city said in a statement. “All schools will have bottled water available on site. Additionally, all BPS school leaders have been advised to move outdoor activities indoors or adjust outdoor activities if possible to ensure community health and safety.”

Schools, as well as Boston Public Library and Boston Centers for Youth & Families buildings, are closed Wednesday for Juneteenth.

Officials in Worcester canceled school on Thursday in response to the high temperatures in the forecast, making Tuesday the last day of school, MassLive reports.

In Boston, Wu’s office said city teams providing outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness will be carrying water with them on their routes. “Amnesty” is also being offered at the city’s shelter’s to allow individuals with non-violent restrictions access to the air conditioned facilities during the heat emergency.

“If you see individuals out in the heat who appear immobile or disoriented, please ask them if they need assistance and call 9-1-1 immediately,” the city said.

Wu’s office issued the following tips for staying safe during the extreme heat:

• 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. Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF30 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing including long sleeve shirts and hats.
• 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 9-1-1 immediately. Do not delay care. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. and can exacerbate underlying illnesses.
• 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.