Excessive Heat Watch In Effect Through Friday

Potentially dangerous heat and humidity levels will spread across Melrose and Massachusetts starting on Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) warns residents.

In a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, the NWS said that a large that an excessive heat watch is in effect from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon, with temperatures of 95 to 100 degrees and, combined with the humidity, heat index values up to around 105 degrees.

The NWS warned that the oppressive heat may lead to heat illnesses for children, seniors and anyone undertaking strenuous physical activity during the day.

"An excessive heat watch means that dangerously hot temperatures are expected with heat indices of 105 degrees of greater," the NWS said. "The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible."

To avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke, people should wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. Also, avoid prolonged exposure in the sun, drink plenty of fluids, try to stay in an air-conditioned environment and check up on relatives and neighbors.

"Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location," the NWS said. "Heat stroke is an emergency—call 911."

Ways to Stay Cool in Melrose

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) recommends that people without air conditioning should stay on the lowest floor of their homes and out of the sun, warning that electric fans do not cool the air, but do evaporate sweat that naturally cools the body.

Melrose residents can beat the heat in several of ways around the city:

• The Melrose Fire Department will turn on their hoses to help children cool down at from 12:30-1 p.m. on July 20-22.

• The will stay open an hour later than usual on Thursday, until 8 p.m. The pool opens at 11 a.m. Admission is free.

• The air-conditioned is open until 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Dawn Folopoulos, executive director of the Melrose Council on Aging, said in an email that people of all ages are welcome to stay cool at the Milano Center, where there are board games, computers with Internet access, movies on the big screen TV and more to do. "We will have iced tea, cookies and watermelon!" Folopoulos said. "We encourage you to bring something yummy to share but it is not required."

• The air-conditioned is open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday.

• Residents are invited by Hallmark Health to , where the cafeteria will be open until 7 p.m. and the main lobby waiting area will stay open until 9 p.m. to give residents a place to cool off.

• owner Lorenzo Tenreiro said Thursday and Friday, his shop will be offering free half-liter water bottles with the purchase of any large drink.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), signs of heat exhaustion include:

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache 
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting

Signs of heat stroke include:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

MEMA also offers additional tips to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke:

• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face from the sun.

• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages that can dehydrate the body.

• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals. Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic heat.

• Stay indoors as much as possible.

• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.

• Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool itself. If you are outside, use sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.

• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.

• Check on family, friends and neighbors.