Boston excessive – Boston is under an excessive heat warning through Friday, with a forecast heat index as high as 112 degrees. Mayor Michelle Wu urged residents to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors, check on neighbors, and use city cooling centers, pools, splash pads, librarie
For the third straight day, Boston is staring down dangerous heat—one that officials say could push the heat index as high as 112 degrees.
Mayor Michelle Wu issued an excessive heat warning for Boston through Friday. warning residents to plan for the kind of heat that doesn’t just feel uncomfortable. but can become unsafe quickly. In a statement. the mayor urged people to stay hydrated. limit time outdoors. check on neighbors and loved ones. and take advantage of cooling centers and other air-conditioned spaces available across the city.
“We are asking everyone to spread the word about the upcoming intense heat expected in our region,” Wu said.
“Our priority is ensuring everyone can safely enjoy all the summer activities, and I’m grateful to our city departments working around the clock to connect residents with the resources they need to stay safe and cool,” she added.
Cooling centers open citywide
Boston’s office says it has activated cooling centers and other resources across the city throughout the heat event.
Boston Centers for Youth & Families community centers will serve as cooling spaces during regular business hours on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, officials said certain centers will run different hours.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. the following BCYF locations will be open: BCYF Condon Community Center (pool) in South Boston; BCYF Curley Community Center (beach) in South Boston; BCYF Curtis Hall Community Center in Jamaica Plain; BCYF Holland Community Center in Dorchester; BCYF Hyde Park Community Center; BCYF Marshall Community Center (pool) in Dorchester; BCYF Mattahunt Community Center (pool) in Mattapan; BCYF Mildred Avenue Community Center (pool) in Mattapan; BCYF Quincy Community Center (pool) in Chinatown; BCYF Shelburne Community Center in Roxbury; BCYF Tobin Community Center in Mission Hill; BCYF Vine Street Community Center in Roxbury; BCYF Draper Pool in West Roxbury; BCYF Flaherty Pool in Roslindale; BCYF Mason Pool in Roxbury; and BCYF Paris Street Pool in East Boston.
BCYF Clougherty Pool in Charlestown will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday.
A complete list of BCYF community centers and hours is available on the city’s website.
Libraries offer air-conditioned relief—then close for the holiday
Boston Public Library branches will also provide air-conditioned spaces for residents on Wednesday and Thursday.
City officials said libraries will be closed Friday for the Independence Day holiday.
Free museum admission for indoor cooling
City cultural institutions are also offering another way to beat the heat, with free admission during the heat wave. A city spokesperson said free admission will be available at participating institutions, as part of an effort to give residents more indoor options.
Pools, splash pads, and spray decks remain available
For residents looking for relief outdoors without committing to full pool time, the city says Boston’s spray decks—also known as splash pads—remain open at parks and playgrounds across the city.
The city also operates 18 pools that are operated by community centers. An interactive map of splash pads and pool locations is available through the city’s website.
The state’s swimming schedule lists additional spray decks and pools available to residents across Massachusetts.
Emergency shelter expanded for people experiencing homelessness
The Boston Public Health Commission said emergency shelters are open 24 hours a day and fully air-conditioned.
Because temperatures are expected to reach 90 degrees or higher, officials said the city has declared a temporary amnesty period from Wednesday through Saturday. The move is intended to allow people with nonviolent restrictions to access shelter during the extreme heat.
Men can seek shelter at 112 Southampton St., while women can go to the Woods Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave.
How Boston decided to issue the warning
Boston officials said the city has replaced its former “heat emergency” designation with a new tiered system to align with partners.
Under the new policy, an excessive heat warning will be issued when there is a heat index of 105 degrees or higher for at least two consecutive hours, or when there is a rapid temperature increase of at least 25 degrees within 24 hours with temperatures reaching at least 90 degrees.
A heat advisory will be issued if there is a heat index of 95 degrees or higher for at least two hours on two consecutive days, or 100 degrees for at least two hours on one day.
Boston excessive heat warning cooling centers pools splash pads libraries shelters