Due to what some may call record-breaking temperatures, local communities have issued advisories, brought out the firetrucks, or even the waterslides to help residents stay safe and cool.
IN LYNN
According to the Massachusetts Unhealthy Heat Forecast, Lynn was issued a red warning.
This means the temperature will be 85°F or above for three or more days. When there are red days in the forecast, the Department of Public Health issues an unhealthy heat alert. This alert is for healthcare workers, local governments, and community groups.
On June 24, temperatures in the city hit 101 degrees. The last time it was this hot in Lynn was on July 22, 2011, when temperatures hit 102 degrees.
According to an article published by NPR, the heat wave is especially threatening because it’s hitting cities like Boston early in the summer when people haven’t gotten their bodies adapted to the uncomfortable conditions. The high-pressure dome parking over the eastern United States is trapping hot air from the Southwest.
The heat is part of Earth’s long-term warming. Summers in the United States are 2.4 degrees hotter than they were 50 years ago, according to NOAA data.
Human-caused climate change has made this heat wave three times more likely than without the burning of coal, oil, and gas, the climate science nonprofit Climate Central calculated, using computer simulations comparing the current weather to a fictional world without the industrial greenhouse gases.
The City of Lynn hosted cooling centers at City Hall in the Auditorium and Room 302 to help residents stay cool and safe.
If you are looking to cool down and still enjoy the sun, splash pads are available at Kiley Park, Neptune Blvd Park, Barry Park, and Flax Pond Park.
The Lynn Fire Department also offered some tips to stay safe.
The department stated that it is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid beverages with caffeine or alcohol, as they can dehydrate.
The department added that it is especially important to check on vulnerable individuals. It said to keep a close watch on children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, as they are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
The department also stated to never leave children or pets in a parked car, even with the windows cracked open.
If one suspects a heat-related illness, symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin, fast or weak pulse, nausea, and fainting. Symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature (above 103°F), hot, red, dry, or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency—call 911 immediately.
IN LYNNFIELD
To beat the heat in Lynnfield, Lynnfield Recreation set up the “big water slide” for children to enjoy. Lynnfield Center Water District Board of Commissioners issued a “critical message to all members” in Lynnfield. It stated that watering restrictions are now at Level 4.
“This measure is necessary so that system pressures and potential fire suppression demands can be re-established and maintained at proper operating levels. As a District, we must prioritize these items over the use of irrigation systems. We request your cooperation and ask that you adjust outdoor watering accordingly.”
The statement read that customers must cooperate in order to “avoid potential significant issues.”
IN MARBLEHEAD
Superintendent John Robidox announced that, due to the extreme heat warning, all students will be released for a half-day on Tuesday at noon. This is because not all schools have air conditioning.
The Marblehead Fire Department planned a summer splash on Tuesday at the Community Center parking lot, where kids can run under the firehoses.
Fire Chief Jason Gilliland said they try to bring the fire hoses out “Once or twice a year, depending on the heat. We’ll see what happens this summer. We’ll probably do it more. It’s a good way to keep everybody cool and safe.”
Marina Paro, who was accompanied by her two kids, said, “It’s a fun community event to relieve ourselves of the heat of the day with the fire trucks.”
She added, “We’re grateful to the firefighters for taking the time to do this for our kids.”
Winslow Lane, age 9, said, “I like having fun on such a hot day. I’ve never done this before, so it was really fun for me, and I like getting all wet. I swim a lot. I live close to the ocean.”
The Marblehead Arts Association also offered help to residents. “We will be open today as a cooling station starting at 10 a.m. According to a Facebook post on Tuesday morning, the association also stated that they would offer cold water, and people could bring their dogs to cool off as well.
IN NAHANT
The peninsula jutting south of Lynn is surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean.
Its beaches were pretty busy on Tuesday, to say the least.
The Nahant police department stated that DCR employees and Rangers told the department to shut the parking lot down at Long Beach.
This means sending vehicles back outbound to enjoy a different DCR-managed property. This happens when the lot is full. When feasible and at the direction of DCR employees, the lot is opened back up for a certain number of vehicles.
Nahant Police Officers were directing traffic to maintain an open roadway.
The police department stated on Facebook, “We understand how passionate you are about parking space availability. However, we are not there to discuss or debate the issue. Our main focus is to maintain the one road we have that connects us to the rest of the world.”
IN PEABODY
The Peabody health department issued a statement regarding this week.
It said that this heat wave marks the first of the season, which is when the risk is highest.
The statement read that data show that heat-related illnesses and hospital visits spike during the first stretch of 85°F days, before people have acclimated to the heat.
The Peabody Institute Libraries (82 Main St., 78 Lynn St., and 603 Lowell St.) and the Senior Center at 79 Central St. are open to all during their normal operating hours.
The health department stated that extreme heat can be “dangerous and even life-threatening if precautions are not taken.
“During prolonged periods of very hot weather, which may include high humidity, the body must work harder to stay cool, increasing the risk of heat-related illness. While anyone can be affected, older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, workers exposed to excessive heat, and people with chronic medical conditions are especially vulnerable. “
It stated that it is important to take preventive steps, such as staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity, and seeking cooler environments.
The Torigian Family YMCA is opening its doors as a cooling center.
The statement the facility released said, “Stop by to cool off in an air-conditioned space. Everyone is welcome. Stay safe and take care of yourself and your neighbors. Outdoor pool is for members with a pool membership or pool guest pass.”
IN SAUGUS
Saugus Town Manager Scott Crabtree said in a statement that Saugus is expecting and experiencing high temperatures and humidity extending into the next few days.
He said that hot temperatures combined with high humidity levels may create dangerous heat conditions. These conditions may cause heat illnesses to occur.
He said that residents are “urged to take precautions during the predicted extreme heat, such as: Never, under any circumstances, leave children or pets alone in a vehicle. Find an air-conditioned space or other cool spot for relief. Watch out for heat-related illnesses. Stay out of the sun. Please check on your family, friends, and neighbors to make sure they are safe during the extreme heat. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.”
Please contact us if you are in need of emergency services, including needing a cool spot for relief. The statement read, “We are here to help. Anyone in need of emergency services should contact Saugus Emergency Management (SEMA) at 781-231-4175 or call 911. Our Police, Fire, Emergency Management, and Public Works Departments and our Emergency Medical Services are here to assist the residents of Saugus in any way we can. Please do not hesitate to call.”
IN SWAMPSCOTT
The Swampscott Fire Department hosted a “spray day” at the Middle School, 207 Forest Ave, on Tuesday as well.
The Swampscott Library, 61 Burrill Street, or the Senior Center, 200R Essex Street, during normal business hours, were open to the public as cooling centers for residents.
