Community Corner

Heat Advisory In Effect Until 7 P.M.

Residents warned to avoid putting themselves at risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

(Editor's note: this article was updated at 2:11 p.m. with information about Melrose-Wakefield Hospital inviting residents to stop in to cool off.)

It's dangerously hot in Melrose and across the northeast U.S. today and the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory in effect from noon to 7 p.m.

Heat indices — which measures how hot it feels, when taking into account humidity levels — will reach 100 to 104 degrees for several hours this afternoon, the NWS warned, with actual air temperatures reaching the upper 90s and increasing humidity levels.

Find out what's happening in Melrosewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the NWS, the average maximum temperature on July 5 in Boston is 81 degrees. The record is 101 degrees, set in 1911 and recorded at Logan Airport.

In Melrose, city Recreation Manager Frank Olivieri said tents are on-site for extra shade today during the open parks program running from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Common, Hesseltine Park and Foss Park.

Find out what's happening in Melrosewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We always encourage everybody to bring and drink water when they come to our programs anyway," Olivieri said. He also reminded residents that a guardian must accompany any child under the age of eight, and must remain for the duration of child's participation during the open parks programs.

The NWS recommended avoiding prolonged work in the sun or in poorly ventilated areas today.

"Prolonged outdoor work or exercise in these conditions can result in heat exhaustion or even heat stroke," the advisory read.

Also, residents are urged to drink plenty of water and try to stay in an air conditioned environment. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) said 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 help evaporate sweat that naturally cools the body.

Melrose residents without air conditioning have some options around the city to beat the heat:

  • The Lloyd Memorial Pool is open today from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission is free.
  • For seniors, the air-conditioned Milano Senior Center is open until 4 p.m. today.
  • The air-conditioned Melrose Public Library is open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and the Children's Room closes at 8 p.m.
  • Residents are invited by Hallmark Health to drop-in at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, where the cafeteria will close at 7 p.m. and the main lobby waiting area will stay open until 9 p.m. to give residents a place to cool off.
  • For Melrose YMCA members, the Main Street facility is open until 10 p.m. today. Family and open swim time is from 2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m.; children under the age of six years old must be accompanied by a parent in the water.

MEMA released additional tips today 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.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here