City of Worcester, MA

City Officials Urge Caution During Weekend Heat

For Immediate Release: 5/20/2022 4:56 pm

WORCESTER – The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the weekend days starting Saturday morning, and city leaders urge residents to use caution to stay cool and safe until seasonal temperatures return on Monday.

Worcester will see heat index values in the lower 90s to middle 90s both Saturday and Sunday, which will likely beat records for both days.

During extremely hot and humid weather, the body's ability to cool itself is affected.  Under normal conditions, your skin, blood vessels and perspiration level adjust to the heat. But these natural cooling systems may fail if you're exposed to high temperatures and humidity for too long, you sweat heavily, and/or you don't drink enough fluids. The most common heat-related illnesses are heat stroke (sun stroke), heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash.

Residents are encouraged to visit the air-conditioned Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Additionally, the Goddard Branch and Tatnuck Magnet Branch are open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the Burncoat Branch and Roosevelt Branch are open Saturday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The public is advised that City swimming areas and splash pads have not yet opened for the season. Officials remind residents that it is unsafe to swim anywhere without lifeguards.

The City of Worcester advises all residents to take precautions to stay safe in extreme heat.

• Drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level, to stay hydrated
• If possible, stay in an air-conditioned space
• Take a cool bath or shower to beat the heat
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
• Avoid strenuous activities, and limit outdoor activities to morning or evening hours
• Never leave people or pets alone in a closed, parked vehicle
• Check on your friends, neighbors, and relatives
• When outside, find shade and take frequent rests
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness. For more information visit: www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html

More extreme heat tips are available at www.ready.gov/heat. Residents are also encouraged to sign-up for ALERTWorcester and Smart911 to stay informed and be prepared in case of an emergency.