Heat Dome Hits New England, Boston Declares Emergency

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(TNS) — The brutal dog days of summer are starting early this year.

The region is bracing for an intense heat wave over the next several days, as temps spike into the 90s with it feeling like a “dangerous” 100-plus in spots.

As the heat dome takes over New England, meteorologists and officials are urging residents to stay hydrated and limit their time outside as cities declare heat emergencies and end the school year early.

“Unfortunately we’re looking at a prolonged period of high heat and humidity,” National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Loconto told the Herald on Monday.

“We do sometimes get surges of heat in the middle part of June, but this will be more of a midsummer heat that we typically see in July and August,” he added.

Tuesday will be the start of the hot and humid weather, with it feeling between 95 and 100 degrees. Then the peak of the heat wave should be on Wednesday and Thursday, as the heat indices spike to above 100 degrees and even to 106 in certain regions. Near to record-breaking high temps are possible.

It should still be very hot on Friday, with the heat indices in the upper 90s, before the heat should break over the weekend.

“Dangerous heat and humidity arrives Tuesday as temperatures rise into the low to mid 90s,” the National Weather Service wrote. “With dewpoints rising near 70F, the heat index will rise into the upper 90s to low 100s. Due to this, a heat advisory or excessive heat watch have been issued for much of SNE (southern New England).”

Looking for an escape from the heat? The Bay State’s South Coast, along with the Cape and Islands, will get some cooler temps off the ocean.

Upper 70s to lower 80s is expected for those spots.

“It will be a little cooler there, but 80 degrees is still pretty warm for the Cape,” Loconto said.

Mayor Michelle Wu has declared a heat emergency for Boston from Tuesday to Thursday, as cooling centers open at 14 Boston Centers for Youth & Families community centers.

Splash pads are open at parks and playgrounds throughout the city, and BCYF has pools across the city that are open.

“Having a fun and safe summer together here in Boston requires our community to come together to take necessary precautions to stay safe from extreme heat,” Wu said in a statement.

“Heat waves are a risk to our community, so everyone should make sure to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity when possible, wear plenty of sunscreen, and check on your neighbors and loved ones,” the mayor added. “The City is here to support residents through a variety of resources, and I urge anyone with questions to call 311 for assistance in staying safe in the heat.”

The city said it’s on track to have more pools open this year than in previous summers, including the BCYF Clougherty, Hennigan, Marshall, Mattahunt, and Perkins pools. The BCYF Marshall Community Center pool opened last fall and the BCYF Mattahunt opened recently.

The Hennigan and Perkins are expected to be open this summer as is the Clougherty Pool, which is undergoing a two-year renovation. The BCYF Mirabella Pool in the North End will open on June 28.

Boston Public Library locations are also available on Tuesday and Thursday for residents to seek relief from the heat.

Boston Public Schools is urging students and their families to prepare for the hot weather by staying well hydrated and dressing appropriately. There are currently 10 buildings without air conditioning.

“These buildings all have a surplus supply of fans available,” the city said. “All schools will have bottled water available on site. Additionally, all BPS school leaders have been advised to move outdoor activities indoors or adjust outdoor activities if possible to ensure community health and safety. BPS will be closed on Wednesday for Juneteenth.”

Worcester is ending its school year early due to the heat. The last day of school will be Tuesday.

“We are anticipating hot weather with high temperatures forecast above 90 degrees Tuesday through Friday,” Worcester Public Schools posted. “As a result, school will be canceled on Thursday, June 20. In addition, Burncoat will be canceled on Friday, June 21.”

Across Massachusetts, residents can cool off at the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s 81 waterfronts and spray decks.

“With several straight days of hot and humid weather expected this week, it’s essential that Massachusetts residents make a plan to stay safe — including keeping hydrated, limiting strenuous activity and checking in on one another,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement. “We encourage people to cool off at DCR’s waterfronts, beaches and splash decks, or check out the cooling centers in your town.”