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Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

Excessive Heat and Humidity Friday through Sunday
Posted on: July 18, 2019 - 6:34pm
heat July 19

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS STATEMENT

DATE: July 18, 2019


Situation

  • The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting excessive heat Friday through Sunday. Hot temperatures combined with high humidity levels are expected to create dangerous heat conditions, with the most oppressive conditions expected Saturday.
  • High temperatures Friday-Sunday are forecast to be in the 90s to lower 100s, and dew points in the low to mid 70s. Heat index values are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s Friday, 100 to 110 Saturday, and 97 to 105 Sunday, with the highest values occurring on Saturday in eastern Massachusetts and parts of the Connecticut River valley. Graphics provided below.
  • The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for most of Massachusetts for Saturday from 11:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. Graphics provided below. NWS may issue additional heat-related watches, warnings, or advisories for Friday and/or Sunday.

Impacts

  • Prolonged exposure to heat and humidity will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Cooling Centers

  • The Town of West Newbury will open the Public Safety Building as a cooling center.
  • Officers can provide transportation assistance. If you need help, call Public Safety Dispatch 978-363-1213

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Emergency Waiver

  • The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Emergency Medical Services has issued a waiver allowing EMS providers to transport to local shelters/cooling centers as needed. This waiver is attached to this email, and is in effect from Friday, July 19 at 8:00 a.m. through Monday, July 22 at 8:00 a.m

MEMA Operations

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is operating at Level 1 (Steady State Monitoring).  MEMA will continue to monitor the forecast and will disseminate additional Situational Awareness Statements as necessary. 

Preparedness and Safety Information

  • Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20°F within 10 minutes.
  • Check with your local authorities or call 2-1-1 to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you.
  • Know the symptoms of and watch out for heat-related illnesses. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.
  • Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, those who may need additional assistance, and those who may not have air conditioning.
  • For more heat safety tips, visit:

Online Resources:

For additional information and resources, visit: