More Than 40 MA Beaches Closed Amid Heatwave

MASSACHUSETTS — More than 40 Massachusetts beaches are closed on Tuesday as temperatures are expected to climb into the low 90s this week.

The National Weather Service shows that temperatures will reach into the 90s in nearly all of Massachusetts, except for the coastal communities of Cape Cod, which should stop in the mid to upper 80s.

Boston has declared a heat emergency this week, something the city does when it expects at least two consecutive days of 95-degree temperatures or higher.

“Our top priority is ensuring our residents and families are healthy and safe during this period of intense heat,” said Mayor Michelle Wu, in a statement. “As temperatures continue to rise, the City is here to support residents in every way possible across every neighborhood. We encourage all of our community members to please take care of yourselves, check on your neighbors, and be prepared to stay cool and safe.”

During a heat wave, Boston Emergency Medical Services typically experiences a 10 to 15 percent increase in calls to 9-1-1 for people of all ages, officials said.

Nearly all of the beaches closed on Tuesday fall under the categories of a bacterial exceedance or a harmful algae bloom. Walden Pond, however, is closed for "other" reasons.

• Related: MA Beach Closures Spike As Summer Heat Simmers Back To A Boil

A person was pulled from the water at the pond earlier this week. They were later flown to a Boston area hospital for treatment.

An air quality alert also remains active until 11 p.m. on Tuesday, with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection officials prompting residents to limit their time outdoors, specifically if they fall into sensitive groups.

• See also: Air Quality Alert Issued For MA: What It Means