BOSTON – Boston Mayor Michelle Wu declares a heat emergency Tuesday through Thursday, depending on temperatures in the city expected to approach 100 degrees.
Wu said Boston residents should take precautions ‘to stay safe’ extreme heat.”
“Heat waves pose a risk to our community, so everyone should make sure they stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities where possible, wear plenty of sunscreen and look after their neighbors and loved ones,” the mayor said in a statement.
Where to find Boston pools, splash pads and cooling centers
Boston will open cooling centers at 14 Boston Centers for Youth & Families locations Tuesday through Thursday. They are open from 9am to 5pm. Click here for an overview of the cooling centers.
Last year, during a July heat wave, 10 of Boston’s 18 public pools were closed. Wu’s office said Monday that the city is “on track to have more pools open this year than in previous summers, including the BCYF Clougherty, Hennigan, Marshall, Mattahunt and Perkins pools.” Click here for a map of pools and splash pads in Boston.
For the first time this summer, Boston will also deploy “outdoor misting towers” at fire stations and parks during heat emergencies.
Boston Public School plans for heat crisis
For now, Boston Public Schools do not plan to close due to the heat, although Wu previously told reporters that closure decisions would be made on a day-by-day basis.
There are 10 school buildings in the city without air conditioning, and additional fans will be available. Students are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and stay hydrated as all schools have bottled water. And school leaders have been encouraged to move outdoor activities indoors if possible.
Boston Public Schools are already closed Wednesday for the federal holiday of Juneteenth, with half days scheduled for Thursday and Friday.
