(Photo/Laura Hayes)
REGION – With high temperatures on the horizon over the next couple of days, local leaders are highlighting available cooling centers and ways people can cool off.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, which went into place today at 11 a.m.
Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 96 today with a heat index as high as 100. Tomorrow, temperatures are expected to be 95 with a chance of showers and thunderstorms.
“Make sure to stay hydrated if you have outdoor plans and don’t leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle,” the National Weather Service office in Boston tweeted yesterday.
However, the National Weather Service office in Boston is cautioning that the advisories may be extended through the weekend.
Heat advisories may be extended through the weekend as we’re currently forecasting several areas to have max heat indices greater than 95 degrees through Monday! pic.twitter.com/TtSU0OdbyM
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) August 4, 2022
“The heat is on again, forecasted heat indexes near 100 degrees over the next several days,” the Southborough Fire Department wrote on Facebook. “Take it easy, hydrate and don’t forget to keep your pets cool also.”
In Marlborough, the Senior Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and tomorrow if people need a place to cool off.
Additionally, residents can cool off at the splash pads in Ghiloni Park and Stevens Park, which are open daily and have extended hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Farrell and Ward Park wading pools are also open every day from noon to 5:45 p.m.
For Shrewsbury residents looking for relief from the heat, the library will be open today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the Senior Center will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
With the demand of electricity expected to be high, Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations is urging residents to reduce their electric use today between 3 to 8 p.m.
Among the way to reduce electric use, SELCO suggested increasing the temperature on the air conditioning by a few degrees, avoid running laundry or dishes during the peak hours, cooking outside, turning pool filters off and scheduling electric vehicle charging for off-peak hours.
“Saving energy during peak events helps keep rates low,” SELCO wrote on Facebook.
The Marlborough Fire Department urged people to stay hydrated, eating smaller meals and avoid dehydrating liquids like alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks.
The fire department also suggested wearing protective clothing and avoiding direct sun and getting sunburn. They encouraged residents to pace themselves, schedule frequent breaks and to be alert of the signs of heat-related illnesses.
