How To Stay Cool In Sudbury As Extreme Heat Arrives

SUDBURY, MA — It's going to be hot for the next few days, but it's going to feel even hotter.

The entire region is under a heat advisory until 8 p.m. Saturday, with heat indices — what it "feels like" combining humidity and air temperature — at, above or close to 100 degrees.

Although the heat will be just uncomfortable for most, it's dangerous for vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, people with chronic illnesses and pets. The National Weather Service, MEMA and even Gov. Maura Healey have warned residents to take precautions.

"We’ve expanded hours at DCR swimming pools, beaches, waterfronts and spray decks to allow for more opportunities for residents to cool off. We’re grateful to the workers who are putting in the time and effort to support these extended hours. All of us can do our part to help our friends and neighbors beat the heat," the governor said in a news release Wednesday.

Here are some ways to stay cool and hydrated locally during the next few days of heat.

• Find details on cooling centers open in Sudbury this week
• If you want to go swimming, check the DCR dashboard to find beaches and lakes that are closed due to bacteria levels
• Suggestions for local ice cream shops
• The Atkinson Pool is closed due to construction, but Ashland State Park and Lake Cochituate are good local options for swimming
• Cool off at a local mall: see the hours for the Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough and the Natick Mall

Here are some tips from MEMA to stay safe during high heat:

• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20°F within 10 minutes
• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight, and help maintain normal body temperature
• Drink plenty of water — even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink, ask how much you should drink during hot weather
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time
• If you must be outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so your body temperature will have a chance to recover. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Use fans to stay cool and avoid using your stove and oven. Consider spending time in air-conditioned public spaces, such as schools, libraries, theaters, and other community facilities
• Check with your local authorities or call 211 to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you
• On hot days, more people cool off around bodies of water. Playing in and around water can increase the risk of drowning. Learn how to keep yourself and your children safe in and around water with these Water Safety Tips
• If there are power outages during warm weather, you may need to take additional precautions or go to a cooling center or emergency shelter to stay cool
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, those who may need additional assistance, and those who may not have air conditioning