A four-day expected heat wave beginning Tuesday will effect Essex County, according to the National Weather Service.
The heat indices, a measure that combines humidity and air temperature, will make it feel much hotter outside, as the temperature could reach high enough to break century-old records.
The weather service tweeted on Monday that heat and humidity are expected to peak on Wednesday through Friday.
“Afternoon heat indices will reach between 98 and 106 degrees away from the south coast,” the weather service’s tweet reads.
In preparation for the high temperatures, the City of Lynn shared a heat advisory for Tuesday and Thursday, when the temperature is expected to peak. The City Hall Auditorium will serve as a cooling station from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday to help residents stay cool and safe. Splash pads are available at Kiley Park, Neptune Boulevard Park, Barry Park, and Flax Pond Park.
The Lynnfield Public Library will serve as a cooling station from Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library will be closed on Wednesday for Juneteenth.
The Swampscott Public Library will serve as a cooling station on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., on Thursday from 1:30 to 8:30 p.m., and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Senior Center will serve as a cooling station from Tuesday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The police station will be open to residents on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Swampscott Public Library and Fire Department also have air conditioners to lend out.
The Marblehead Fire Department has set up two cooling stations, one at Brown School and the other at Veterans Middle School. The stations will not be staffed unless there is a need from the public. All Marblehead residents are able to call the Fire Department’s dispatch if they need to use the stations. The Marblehead Fire Department will also do a fire truck spray for the community on Thursday, at 2:30 p.m.
Crocker Park is another option for the town’s hot days.
Nahant’s Johnson Elementary School is prepared to open its doors to serve the community as a cooling center if necessary. Also, in case of a power outage, the school has backup power.
The City of Peabody announced that North Shore Community Action Programs (NSCAP) will be open as a cooling center on Tuesday and Thursday from 12 to 4:30 p.m. All three branches of the Peabody Institute Library are open as well on Tuesday and Thursday, with normal library hours. On Wednesday, the Peter A. Torigian Senior Center will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Peabody Municipal Light Plant is sending a series of social-media messages providing people with tips on how to stay cool during the four-day expected heat wave and advising people to keep the electric consumption as low as possible.
While people might be looking for another alternative to cool down during the four-day expected heat wave, relying on King’s Beach or Saugus’ Pearce Lake is not an option, as they are currently closed due to bacterial exceedance.
This week’s expected heat wave will be especially dangerous for older residents, children, and people who work outside. Walking your dog during the heat wave is also not advised.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the weather service advised.
