Dangerous Heat Wave to Hit Massachusetts

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for most of the state from Wednesday morning through Saturday evening. 

Heat index values could reach up to 110 degrees, especially in urban areas. These hot and humid conditions may increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. 

"We're expecting dangerously high temperatures across Massachusetts over the next several days, and I want everyone to take this heat seriously," said Governor Maura Healey. "Whether you're celebrating the Fourth of July, traveling, or spending time outdoors with family and friends, please plan ahead and take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Check on your loved ones and neighbors, stay informed about the forecast and seek a cool place if you need one. We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy holiday." 

Locally, communities have set up cooling centers to help residents beat the heat.

In Dalton

• Dalton Senior Center: 40 Field Street Ext., Dalton MA 01226, 413-684-6111 and dial 0. Hours Monday - Friday 8am - 3pm.

In Great Barrington

• Mason Library, 231 Main St., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 1-3
• Great Barrington Fire Station Headquarters, 37 State Road, 8  a.m. to 5 p.m. July 1-3
• Clair Teague Senior Center, 917 South Main St., 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., July 1-2.
• Town Hall, 334 Main St., 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 1-2
• Ramsdell Library, 1087 Main St., 1 to 6 p.m., July 1

In Pittsfield

• Berkshire Athenaeum: 1 Wendell Avenue. Wednesday (7/1), 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday (7/2), 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday (7/3), 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on Saturday, July 4.
• Ralph J. Froio Senior Center: 330 North Street. Wednesday (7/1) & Thursday (7/2), and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed on Friday, July 3
• Christian Center, 193 Robbins Avenue: Wednesday (7/1), 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Offering food, water, popsicles and summer clothing. Closed Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3
• The First: 74 First Street. Open 7 days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In Williamstown

• Milne Public Library is available Monday-Thursday this week 10am-8pm. Closed Friday and Saturday. Water, Coffee, activities available.
• Williamstown Police will have space in their station for those in need of temporary escape from the heat. Those looking to use the space may ask the dispatcher for access to the training room starting on Tuesday at 8pm and available until Friday at 3pm.

Some organizations have shifted their hours of operation. 

• The Berkshire Food Project: Open Wednesday, July 1: Grab and go cold lunch. Thursday July 2, closed due to heat advisory. Friday July 3, closed for federal observance of July 4.

To reduce the risks of heat-related illness, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion, residents should:? 

• Minimize time spent outdoors, especially during the hottest parts of the day.?If you are outside, apply sunscreen (SPF of at least 30) 15-20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, and wear protective clothing to avoid sunburn.? 
• Stay hydrated by drinking lots of cool water?every 15-20 minutes and avoiding alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.?Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time. 
• Seek out air-conditioned buildings like libraries and community centers?to spend time in. Call 2-1-1 to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you.? 
• Never leave children or pets in the car alone?– the temperatures will rise to unhealthy levels within minutes.? 
• Check in on neighbors who may need assistance making a plan, including the homebound, elderly, or disabled.??? 
• Dress for the heat by wearing a hat, light-colored, loose fitting, and breathable clothing. 
• As always, call 9-1-1 in an emergency.? 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds residents that extreme heat can affect anyone, but older adults, young children, pregnant people, people with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, and those without access to air conditioning are at greater risk for heat-related illness. DPH encourages residents to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, stay in cool or air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day. Residents can also sign up to receive community heat alerts and access additional heat safety resources. For more information, including the Massachusetts Unhealthy Heat Forecast, visit: Massachusetts Unhealthy Heat Forecast | Mass.gov. 

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) issued a letter to Eversource, National Grid, Unitil, and Municipal Light Plants requesting that they refrain from shutting off residential customers' electric service who are experiencing financial hardship throughout the extreme heat event and during any Unhealthy Heat Alert throughout this summer. Currently, the DPU's regulations provide for a moratorium on residential shut-offs during the winter season only, but Governor Healey's Energy Affordability Independence and Innovation Act includes placing a moratorium on electric shutoffs during periods of unhealthy heat.   

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) encourages residents and visitors to beat the heat by visiting one of its beaches, pools, spray decks, or wading pools located across Massachusetts.  

Residents working outdoors should remember these words: "Water. Rest. Shade." Outdoor workers should drink water frequently, take regular breaks in shaded or cool areas, and watch for signs of heat-related illness. Employers are encouraged to take steps to protect workers during periods of extreme heat. Additional workplace heat safety resources are available through OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention program, and the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards offers free SafetyWorks consultation services to help employers prevent heat-related illnesses and other workplace hazards.   

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