CITY OF BOSTON SHARES PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT RESIDENTS AND VISITORS AGAINST EXTREME HEAT
\BOSTON – June 26, 2026 – Ahead of forecasted high temperatures next week, the City of Boston today announced extreme heat preparations underway and resources available to residents, particularly those most at risk, including older residents, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness.
“Summer in Boston is an exciting time for residents, visitors, and businesses, but extreme heat is a health risk that we should all take steps to prepare for,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As climate change makes heat waves more frequent and more intense, we are working to keep every neighborhood safe. We encourage everyone to take care of yourselves, check on family, friends, and neighbors, and be prepared to stay cool and safe while enjoying everything Boston has to offer this summer.”
"Extreme heat can have serious impacts on your health and does not impact every person or neighborhood equally,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “We encourage people to utilize cooling centers as needed, stay hydrated, and check in on vulnerable and elderly neighbors who may need extra support. Boston Public Health Commission is committed to helping our communities prepare for the summer heat through our Live Long and Well agenda, working to ensure all residents have access to the resources they need to stay healthy and safe."
“Last June saw the hottest June day in recorded history,” said Brian Swett, Chief Climate Officer for the City of Boston. “Boston residents know how to prepare for winter weather every year. As climate change makes extreme heat events more frequent in our lives, it is equally important that we build resilience within our communities against heat emergencies.”
Alert Boston
Residents can sign up to receive updates through AlertBoston, the City’s emergency mass notification system, by phone, text, or email for information regarding extreme weather events. Boston Public Health Commission’s Office of Public Health Preparedness monitors forecasts and maintains close communication with the National Weather Service and the City of Boston’s Office of Emergency Management, who then work across City departments and with external partners to ensure coordinated response plans are in place leading up to extreme weather events. AlertBoston notifications are available in 11 languages.
Heat Resources
Safety tips on how to prepare for extreme heat are available on boston.gov/heat. This resource contains population-specific information, including tips for:
- People with infants and young children;
- People over age 65;
- People who work in the heat;
- People experiencing homelessness;
- People with disabilities and chronic illnesses; and
- People who use drugs.
Prepare in Advance for Extreme Heat
Making the necessary preparations to protect yourself and your home against extreme heat can reduce your risk of an emergency.
- Install air conditioners and use ceiling or standing fans. If you do not have an air unit, a fan with a bowl of ice can also provide relief.
- Install child window guards if you have a child under the age of 10 in your home in addition to screens on any open window that is more than 12 feet above ground. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six.
- Keep kids cool: Hot weather affects infants and young children more than most adults. Potential impacts of heat on childhood health and development can be lifelong. Educators and guardians can visit boston.gov/cool-kids to make an action plan and review heat guides for children.
- Ask your doctor if your medications might make you more sensitive to heat risk. If your doctor has told you to limit your liquids, ask what you should do in hot weather.
- Know your local cool spaces: Visit boston.gov/heat or call 311 to find locations and hours for your local public pools, BCYF cooling center, public library, and more.
Stay Safe on Hot Days
- Check in with friends, family and neighbors.
- Hydrate and have plenty of drinking water available.
- Dress for the weather: Wear sunscreen and loose-fitting, light clothing.
- Keep your home cool: Cover your windows to block out heat using curtains, towels, or aluminum-foil-covered cardboard reflectors. If possible, you should also prepare meals that don’t require an oven or stove to reduce heat in your home.
- Limit Outdoor Activity during the hottest times of the day. Go outside during cooler hours in the early morning and evening. If you cannot avoid being outside, it is critical to take breaks in the shade, drink water constantly — even if you’re not thirsty — and watch for warning signs like dizziness, nausea, or confusion.
- Find a Cool Space: If your home is hot, try to spend time in an air-conditioned space during midday, the hottest time of day. A full list of cooling centers is available on boston.gov/heat.
- Transportation Resources: If you are an older adult and need help getting to a cooler space and need a ride, the Age Strong Commission offers discounted taxi vouchers for seniors and people with disabilities. Call 617-635-4366 for more information.
Cooling Centers
A full list of cooling centers is available on boston.gov/heat. Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) community centers become cooling centers during periods of extreme heat. Anyone can cool off inside with air conditioning during their regular operating hours.
Boston.gov/heat also has a Pools and Tot Sprays Map and a map of state-owned pools,
Outdoor Cool Spaces at Boston Public Libraries also provide free, outdoor Wi-Fi 24 hours a day at 6 locations. These family-friendly spaces expand access to shade and essential services even on hot days.
Know the Signs of Heat Illness
Heat can affect us quickly, so it is important to know the signs of heat illness. When you know what to look for, you can take the right action fast. Please review the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion below:
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