Officials Warn of Excessive Heat, Offer Tips to Keep Cool

The first excessive heat of the summer is expected to arrive Wednesday, when temperatures across Massachusetts could approach 100 degrees.

The National Weather Service forecasts a high of 96 tomorrow and Thursday, before temperatures cool on Friday to 88.

Framingham's three town beaches are scheduled to open Thursday, June 21. They will not be able to open a day early, due to lifeguard training and beach set up on Wednesday.

A hazardous weather outlook, issued early Tuesday by the National Weather Service, states that a "high probability" exists of hot, humid conditions Wednesday and Thursday across the state.

"Maximum heat indices should reach around 100 degrees both days, especially across the lower Connecticut River Valley, interior Eastern Massachusetts as well as the urban areas of Boston and Providence," the National Weather Service wrote. "Heat advisories may be needed in portions of the region."

In preparation, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency advises people to be cautious and is offering some tips to keep cool.

In addition, UMass Memorial Medical Center has posted a video on YouTube with hydration tips. (See attached video.)

"A few common sense measures can reduce heat-related problems, especially for the elderly, the very young and people with respiratory ailments, who are more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures,” said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz, in a statement on the agency's website. “If this extreme weather continues over an extended period, some communities may be setting up cooling centers to assist those seeking relief from the oppressive heat.”

Here are some tips to follow:

• Slow down, avoid strenuous activity. Do not try to do too much on a hot day.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty. Attempt to stay hydrated.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. They can actually dehydrate your body.
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals. Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic heat.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. 
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate perspiration, which cools your body.
• Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned schools, libraries, theaters and other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.
• 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.
• Avoid too much sunshine. 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.
• Do not leave pets outside for extended periods. Make sure that they have plenty of drinking water.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors.
• If you believe you, or anyone you are with, is experiencing a heat-related medical emergency, promptly call 911, and if possible, move to a cooler place.