It’s heating up this week, with record-high temperatures climbing close to 100 degrees, feeling like 110 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday and Thursday due to humidity, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). 

This is what communities are doing to combat the heat:

Lynn 

City departments have released tips and tricks to beat the heat, which are available to all Lynn residents. The Public Health Director, Lisa Tobin, outlined what people should do to stay safe during the heatwave. 

Those tips vary from general personal care to preparation for heat-related emergencies. 

To maintain physical health, Tobin suggested knowing your particular risk for heat-related illnesses, staying indoors and out of the sun, staying hydrated with water and electrolyte beverages, wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothes, asking your doctor how to manage medications in severe heat, and limiting alcohol consumption.

To prepare for heat-related emergencies, Tobin suggested covering windows in the morning and afternoon, planning for power outages if you need electricity for medical equipment or medications, and watching and listening for thunderstorms. If you do go outside, check the state’s unhealthy heat forecast, air quality map, and beaches’ water quality dashboards,

Splash pad hours at Kiley Playground, Neptune Boulevard, McManus Park, Barry Park, Camp Kiwanis and Lynn Special Needs Camp, and Flax Pond Playground have been extended by two hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. to provide more heat-relieving options outdoors, according to the mayor’s office. 

Cooling center hours have been updated at the Lynn City Hall Auditorium and Room 108, with both rooms available from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday. 

The Lynn Senior Center is also available to senior residents from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. 

There will also be free sunscreen dispenser locations at Ames Playground, Community Path of Lynn, Cook Street Park, Fraser Field, Manning Field, Hood Park, Lynn Woods Reservation, Kiley Playground, Flax Pond Playground, Barry Park, McManus Park, Warren Street Park, and Barkland Avenue Dog Park, according to Lynn Community Television (LCTV).

Mayor Jared C. Nicholson stated he hopes the public gets word of the available cooling options to ensure the safety of all residents. 

“We want to ensure that everyone is aware of the resources available during the predicted extreme heat,” Nicholson said. “We encourage residents to limit their exposure to the heat and take advantage of what is being offered, including visiting City Hall as a cooling center. We are especially concerned for our seniors and ask those who may have a senior as a neighbor to check on them.”

Residents who are most at risk of heat-related illnesses are children under five, adults over 65, people who live alone, those with medical conditions and disabilities, pregnant women, and people of color and those who speak languages other than English that may not receive the necessary information provided by the State or City, according to the City of Lynn website. 

The heat inside cars will increase drastically during the warm front, and the City of Lynn website has an infographic on vehicle temperatures to educate residents about the danger of leaving animals or children in a turned-off car. 

If the outside temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the inside of the car reaches 109 degrees Fahrenheit within 20 minutes. After an hour, the temperature rises to 123 degrees, according to the City of Lynn’s website. 

The NWS revealed the heat advisory will continue from July 1 through July 4, giving the National holiday a warm welcome. 

Lynnfield 

The Lynnfield Fire Department released a heat advisory statement on Facebook, urging residents to stay safe, recognize the symptoms of heat-related emergencies such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and take action when needed.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, thirst, excessive sweating, nausea, and weakness. Care options include moving to a cool area, wearing loose clothing, staying hydrated, and seeking medical help if symptoms do not improve or worsen.

Heat stroke symptoms include altered mental status, loss of consciousness, rapid heartbeat, and headaches. Lynnfield Fire suggests calling 911 if any of these symptoms arise, moving to a cool area, loosening clothes and removing extra layers, and cooling the body down with water or ice.

Marblehead 

Marblehead residents can find a cool oasis at the Council on Aging from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., located at 10 Humphrey St. 

The Marblehead Fire Department will be taking over the Council on Aging parking lot to set up a makeshift splash pad on Thursday, July 2, at 4 p.m. 

Residents are welcome to enjoy both of these free options to stay cool as the weekend temperatures reach record highs. 

Peabody 

Peabody Fire Chief Jay Dowling said officials are urging their residents to stay indoors on the hottest days of the week, Wednesday and Thursday. 

“If you’re going to be outside working for any extended period of time, just make sure to stay hydrated and drink lots of fluids,” Dowling said. “But we are advising everyone to stay inside for those couple of days, stay out of the heat, stay out of the sun, and just stay in a nice cool area.” 

One of Dowling’s main concerns is the safety of the elderly in the intense heat, as a majority of housing does not have AC units. 

“We want to try and take care of them, keep them cool,” Dowling said. 

Dowling added that the Peabody Senior Center will stay open on Friday for the day, staffed by staff or firefighters, when it’s normally closed, to ensure one cooling center is available to residents. He also shared that the public library and mall are also an option for residents to take advantage of. 

PBD Alerts indicated that the Heat Advisory will be in effect from July 1 at 10 a.m. to July 4 at 8 p.m.

Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. stated that the prolonged heat and humidity can create dangerous conditions for seniors, young children, individuals with health concerns, and pets.

“Extreme heat can be dangerous, and it’s important that residents take steps to stay safe,” said Mayor Bettencourt. “For residents who may need a cool, comfortable place during the day, several city properties are available during their regular business hours. These include the Torigian Senior Center located at 79 Central Street, as well as the Main, West, and South branches of the Peabody Institute Library.”

Saugus

Town Manager Scott Crabtree sent out a press release to residents urging them to take precautions due to the National Weather Service’s extreme heat warning Wednesday to 8 p.m. Saturday.

The town is encouraging residents to “never under any circumstances leave children or pets alone in a vehicle,” drink plenty of fluids, find an air-conditioned space, watch for heat-related illnesses, and stay out of the sun.

“Please contact us if you are in need of emergency services, including needing a cool spot for relief. We are here to help. Anyone in need of emergency services should contact Saugus Emergency Management (SEMA) at 781-231-4175, or call 911,” the release states.

The Saugus Police Department, Saugus Fire Department, and the Public Works Department, along with emergency medical services, will be available to assist residents.

To find more information about local cooling centers, splash pads, and other updates to stay safe in the severe heat, you can go to the City of Lynn’s website, lynnma.gov, and the Massachusetts State website, mass.gov.