Healey-Driscoll Administration Reminds Massachusetts of Hot Weather Safety Tips for First Heat Advisory of the Year

Healey-Driscoll Administration Reminds Massachusetts of Hot Weather Safety Tips for First Heat Advisory of the Year  

BOSTON – Due to the high temperatures expected Tuesday through Wednesday, the Healey-Driscoll Administration urges Massachusetts residents and visitors to plan ahead and practice extreme heat safety.    

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for most of the state from 11 a.m. on Tuesday through 8 p.m. on Wednesday, except for the Berkshires, the South Coast, and Cape Cod and the Islands. Hot temperatures and a moderate degree of humidity — with little relief Tuesday night — may cause heat illnesses. Early-season heat can be especially dangerous because people may not yet be acclimated to higher temperatures, making it important to prepare, stay hydrated, and check on others before and during hot weather. 

“As we approach the summer months, we want to make sure Massachusetts residents are informed about rising heat early and have time to take the proper precautions to stay safe in hot weather – that means keeping hydrated, limiting strenuous activity and finding a cool place to stay indoors if possible,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We encourage residents and visitors alike to cool off at one of the 14 splash pads that DCR has opened ahead of schedule to offer early heat relief or at a nearby cooling center.”  

To reduce the risks of heat-related illness, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion, residents should:   

Minimize time spent outdoors, especially during the hottest parts of the day.   

Stay hydrated by drinking lots of cool water every 15-20 minutes and avoiding alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.  

Seek out air-conditioned buildings like libraries and community centers to spend time in. Call 2-1-1 to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you.   

Never leave children or pets in the car alone – the temperatures will rise to unhealthy levels within minutes.   

Check in on neighbors who may need assistance making a plan, including the homebound, elderly, or disabled.     

Dress for the heat by wearing a hat, light-colored, loose fitting, and breathable clothing  

As always, call 9-1-1 in an emergency.   

Check the Massachusetts Unhealthy Heat Forecast for a 7-day heat outlook, and review summer heat and weather safety tips before attending outdoor events, traveling, or spending time outside. 

“With a Heat Advisory impacting much of the state, we urge everyone to take precautions. If possible, during the hottest part of the day stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, limit strenuous activity and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. For those who must be outside, stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in the shade, and wear lightweight clothing,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Dawn Brantley. “Extreme heat can be dangerous - even deadly - especially for older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and individuals without access to cooling or shelter. Don’t underestimate how quickly high temperatures can affect your health.”   

Residents and visitors can cool off at 14 of the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) splash pads that have opened early because of this week’s extreme heat. The full list of open spray decks can be found on DCR’s swimming schedule webpage.       

“With the first significant heat event of the year arriving this week, DCR has opened 14 splash pads early so residents and visitors have safe accessible, places to cool down” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “Our state parks and public spaces play an important role during hot weather, and we’re committed to helping communities across Massachusetts find relief and enjoy the outdoors safely.” 

Check DCR’s Park Alerts site for the most up-to-date information on any DCR facility closures or changes in park hours, and the Beach Water Quality Dashboard before heading out to find the latest water quality information for public and semi-public beaches across Massachusetts. 

MBTA riders should consult the Extreme Weather guide, subscribe to T-Alerts and follow @MBTA and @MBTA_CR on social media for updates on weather-related service impacts. Additionally, riders are strongly encouraged to let MBTA staff know if there is an air conditioning issue on a bus or train. Tell an operator, let a station official know, call 617-222-3200, send us a message, or message the MBTA on X @MBTA. Be sure to include your bus or train number. 

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Highway Division District Directors will be having conversations with employees who work outside about limiting responsibilities on extreme heat days and about taking frequent breaks to hydrate. The Highway Division will be monitoring the operation of some of the state’s bridges, such as drawbridges, which can sometimes have extreme heat impacts on the equipment used to raise and lower bridges. 

Travelers are advised to check their vehicles before leaving on trips to ensure radiators have sufficient coolant and that other fluid levels are keeping with safe operation. Anyone driving is also advised to plan trips during the cooler times of the day, in the early morning or late afternoon hours. Drivers should plan to pack water in addition to other items packed for a trip. 

Residents working outdoors should remember these words: “Water. Rest. Shade.” Additional resources at OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention, DLS’s MASSsafetyWorks! resources and DIA’s The Workplace Safety Grant. For employers concerned about the hazards of heat in the workplace, DLS offers free consultation services that can assist in protecting employees from heat and other hazards. Massachusetts residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts for the most up-to-date information. For the latest updates, follow the National Weather Service Boston/Norton and MEMA on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter.