Extreme heat is forecasted in Greater Boston later this week and could top 100 degrees. GBH’s meteorologist Dave Epstein said the heat “really arrives” on Wednesday.
“That’s when humidity levels increase quite a bit. And temperatures go up into the low- to mid-90s here on Wednesday, before we reach near the century mark,” he said. “Thursday we could even exceed [100 degrees], and then Friday as well.”
Local officials are reminding residents of precautions they can take to stay safe this week. To stay cool, drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and put on loose-fitting, light clothing. People can also block out heat by covering windows with curtains, towels or aluminum-foil-covered cardboard reflectors.
Officials also recommend installing air conditioners and using fans. Residents who don’t have access to an air conditioning unit can put a bowl of ice cream in front of a fan to get some relief.
“Boston residents know how to prepare for winter weather every year,” said Brian Swett, the city of Boston’s chief climate officer. “As climate change makes extreme heat events more frequent in our lives, it is equally important that we build resilience within our communities against heat emergencies.”
Epstein said outdoor activity should be limited during the hottest hours: midday.
“It’s really not gonna cool off very much Thursday afternoon, even though the sun angle will be getting a lot lower after 6 or 7 or even 8 o’clock after the sun sets. It’s gonna stay pretty warm,” he said. “So your best bet for outdoor activity is gonna be in the morning on Thursday and then again early Friday.”
Boston Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bisola Ojikutu said extreme heat can seriously affect one’s health, especially elderly residents, pregnant people, those with disabilities and infants and children. She encouraged people to check in on vulnerable and elderly neighbors.
Bostonians can spend time at a local cooling center, too, or the outdoor cooling spaces at the Boston Public Libraries.
Cambridge Chief Climate Officer Julie Wormser said this is the first year that Cambridge is organizing citywide resources to help people stay safe during a heat emergency.
“Cambridge has public libraries all over the city. ... All of our libraries are air-conditioned. MIT has a lot of air-conditioned places,” she said. “We have pools all over the city, especially in East Cambridge and North Cambridge, and people should be using these free resources to cool off and help others cool off.”
Wormser adds that people need to make sure they are able to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion.
“If you feel dizzy, if your face is flushed, if you feel thirsty, if you have a headache, take it seriously,” she said. “Get inside where it’s cool, drink a lot of water.”
Somerville Mayor Jake Wilson said they are also working to keep residents stay safe by sharing heat safety resources, keeping splash pads available and connecting people to air-conditioned public spaces.
“The level of heat we expect to experience later this week can become dangerous very quickly,” he said. “Please take this seriously.
“And check on your neighbors,” Wilson added. “That neighborly care can make a real difference.”
