With temperatures set to skyrocket into triple digits Tuesday, here are some ways to cool down in the Boston area.
National Weather Service forecasts show the region may reach a dangerous record-setting high of 102 degrees as the heat emergency peaks Tuesday. The heat index value may reach a scorching 107 degrees.
Officials have urged residents to take steps to protect themselves and those around them during the emergency as the high temperatures can pose significant and even deadly health risks.
The City of Boston posts a Cooling Resources Map which includes pools, splash pads, misting tents, air conditioned public library facilities and more for residents in need.
Seventeen BCYF facilities spread throughout the city have been opened as cooling centers during the heat emergency through Tuesday.
Anyone is welcome to come in and cool off at the facilities during the heat emergency, and most of the centers remain open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though the BCYF Grove Hall Senior Center in Dorchester will remain open through 7 p.m.
BCYF pools are also available at 13 locations, and dozens of splash pads are on and running at play areas throughout the city. A map of available city-run water features is available at boston.gov/pools-and-tot-sprays-map.
Two more pools at the BCYF Clougherty and BCYF Mirabella have remained closed through the heat emergency but are set to reopen within the next week. Others including the BCYF Condon in South Boston, BCYF Hennigan in Jamaica Plain, and BCYF Holland in Dorchester are currently listed as closed.
More state-run pools and spray decks through the Department of Conservation and Recreation in the area can be found at mass.gov/swimming-pools-wading-pools-and-spray-decks. DCR staff noted they will be taking 鈥渆xtra precautions to watch out for our visitors and each other during this oppressive heat and humidity.鈥
Boston also has several beaches with designated swimming areas including Carson, City Point, Castle Island, M Street and Pleasure Bay beaches in South Boston; and Malibu, Savin Hill and Tenean beaches in Dorchester.
Just south, residents can swim at Wollaston Beach, or water-seekers can head north to take a dip at the inland Shannon Beach in Winchester.
Boston residents are also encouraged to head into any of the 26 air conditioned public library facilities across the city.
During the heat emergency, MBTA leadership warned that riders may experience slower transit as trains operate at 鈥渞educed speeds in some areas to compensate for heat-related stress on the tracks.鈥 If a bus or train is hot, riders are encourages to tell operators, station officials, Customer Service, or tweet @MBTA.
鈥淚f you can, stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, limit strenuous activity, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun,鈥 said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Dawn Brantley. 鈥淔or those who must be outside, stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in the shade, and wear lightweight clothing.鈥
Those experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness should seek medical help, Brantley warned, adding, 鈥渄on鈥檛 underestimate how quickly high temperatures can affect your health.鈥
More information on the heat emergency and available resources can be found at boston.gov/heat or by calling 311.