Torrid temps, humidity to take up residence along North Shore

LYNN – With the National Weather Service forecasting highs of 95 to 97 degrees today and Thursday, there?s no question that summer has arrived – and several area agencies are urging residents to plan accordingly for the hotter-than-average temperatures.?It?ll feel like over 100 degrees Wednesday and Thursday,” said NWS spokesman Bill Simpson. “We?re finally getting into a summertime pattern where the temperatures go up and dew points go up. It?ll certainly be more humid.”View a photo gallery of warm weather on the North Shore.Excessive heat is defined by the American Red Cross as a state when temperatures are 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region during summer months, last for a long period of time and occur with high humidity as well, Red Cross spokesperson Kat Powers said. While the spell is only expected to last through Friday, Richard Covert, owner of Richard Covert TV and Appliances in Lynn?s Wyoma Square, said sales of window-unit and wall-unit air-conditioners are up as word has spread about the weather.Many customers have enlisted the store?s services in re-installing air-conditioners that they have stored away since the fall, he said.?Yesterday and today we?ve had quite a few installations,” he said. “Once the heat hits, people really panic.”For those planning to cool off with a day at the beach, the Department of Conservation and Recreation will even have early lifeguard services at various North Shore beaches and wading pools starting today, three days before they were scheduled to start. Lifeguards will be present at Revere Beach Reservation, Breakheart Reservation?s Pearce Lake and limited lifeguards will be present at Nahant Beach Reservation, according to a DCR press release.But the Mass. Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) warned of getting too much sunshine with temperatures so high because sunburn can reduce the skin?s ability to cool itself.?A few common sense measures can reduce heat-related problems, especially for the elderly, the very young and people with respiratory ailments, who are more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures,” said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz in a statement. “If this extreme weather continues over an extended period, some communities may be setting up cooling centers to assist those seeking relief from the oppressive heat.”In past heat spells, the city of Lynn has designated “cooling stations” around town for residents and families without air-conditioning, but Mayoral Aide Mary Chalmers said no such plan is currently in place. The Lynn Senior Center, located at 8 Silsbee St., has air conditioning and will be open during regular business hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to anyone older than 60.While the Saugus Senior Center is also not extending its hours as it has done during past heat spells, Executive Director Joanne Olsen said any Saugus residents older than 55 are welcome to visit them at 466 Central St. from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for lunch, activities or just to catch some relief.?Any transportation that may be needed, we would provide that during the day,” Olsen said.Anyone planning to avoid the heat by staying home should have a flashlight and cash on hand, as increased demand for power and air-conditioning can cause power outages, said Red Cross spokesperson Kat Power. Residents should also have a plan in place for where to go, such as a library or movie theater, if their air conditioning gives out.Other tips MEMA suggested to beat the heat are:? Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.? Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty. Attempt to stay hydrated.? Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. They can actually dehydrate your body.? Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals. Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic heat.? Stay indoors as much as possible.? If y