Boston Declares Heat Emergency, Mass. Towns Open Cooling Centers
BOSTON (CBS) -- As temperatures soared across Massachusetts on Saturday, Michael Lacey didn't complain.
"In January, you dream about days like this," said Lacey, a Boston resident.
Temperatures are expected to climb into the nineties for several days.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh declared a "heat emergency" for the city on Saturday, urging people to stay hydrated and cool during the hot weather.
As a result, Boston Centers for Youth and Families will be open as cooling centers. Anyone will be allowed the pools or relax in the air conditioning, the city said.
Lawrence Police also tweeted that a cooling center would be open at the Wetherbee School library auditorium this weekend.
The Lowell Senior Center will open a cooling station on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Over at the M Street beach in South Boston Saturday afternoon, several people took advantage of the summer weather.
David Feygin of Needham wasn't complaining.
"We get home and turn the AC on. We like it a little comfortable, so we crank it up and cool off at home," he said at the beach.
Rachel Emodi of Boston, also at the beach, said, "When it gets too hot, I just go in, take a dip. The water's not too cold."
The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch and said there was a "high confidence concerning all potential threats and impacts associated with heat and humidity."
"Prolonged exposure to heat and humidity will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses," they added.
The threat is expected to be throughout New England all week long but peaking Sunday and Monday. WBZ-TV Meteorologist Barry Burbank has more on the heat wave and tips for staying safe in his most recent weather blog.
