Natick Opens Cooling Centers Amid Heatwave

NATICK, MA — It's going to be a hot one in Natick — and the rest of Massachusetts — to end this week.

Natick officials have opened three cooling centers through Saturday to deal with the weather.

The entire state except the Berkshires will be under a heat advisory starting at 11 a.m. due to possible heat index values between 95 and 100. The heat index is a measure of how hot it feels through a combination of air temperature and humidity.

The heat advisory will be in effect until Saturday night, and the advisory is meant to alert people to stay cool and hydrated, and to keep an eye on vulnerable relatives like children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.

Cities and towns across the state have opened cooling centers, including in Natick.

The Natick Emergency Management Team is monitoring the weather and will make any decisions related to community aid.

"As you are aware the weather forecast is indicating that the heat index will be high the next few days. We will monitor the effects on the community and address any needs for services," officials said.

The cooling locations will be established at these locations:

• Morse Library, Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Community Senior Center, Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

These two locations come in addition to the Natick Mall, officials said.

The local emergency management team also noted that, if needed, these hours can be extended, but haven't been as of now.