An extreme heat warning called by the National Weather Service for Wednesday through Saturday has drawn declarations of heat emergencies in Cambridge and Somerville and alerts around resident safety.
“Dangerously hot temperatures are expected,” with highest feels-like temperatures around 110 degrees, a Somerville email said. Although there is no heat warning in place after Saturday, the weather is expected to remain hot through the holiday weekend.
In addition, “temperatures are not expected to cool down much overnight,” said Grace Munns, a Somerville spokesperson.
Hot weather and extreme heat can cause serious illness and can even be life-threatening. Heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and dehydration can occur, Cambridge officials said. There is an increased risk for heat-related illness in high-risk populations including older adults and young children, people with chronic medical conditions, unhoused people and those who work outside.
Heat stroke was highlighted as a medical emergency by the Cambridge Health Alliance on Tuesday, which urged people to call 911 immediately if someone has a high body temperature, is unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating. “While waiting for help, keep the person cool by moving them to a cool place and applying cool water to their skin,” CHA said. “Days are getting hotter, which can be life threatening.”
The cities are advising residents to avoid outdoor activities if possible, especially during the heat of the day, and if it’s not possible to be in an air-conditioned space, to at least stay out of the direct sun. Those without air conditioning are encouraged to find a place to cool down – city buildings, for instance, or with nearby family or friends who have air conditioning.
Somerville is offering free bottled water to anyone who needs it at City Hall and Somerville Public Library locations during regular business hours on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday while supplies last.
Cambridge pointed people to cooled spots such as malls, community spaces such as the Foundry and public libraries, which welcome people seeking to cool off during regular hours and will have water bubblers available. Branch libraries close Friday and Saturday because of the holiday. Residents can also visit pools and parks with water features.
Somerville points residents to somervillema.gov/keepcool or asks them to call 311 or (617) 666-3311. Cambridge has a page for the heat emergency, with resources and medical concerns here.
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