On Monday, June 17, 2024, Mayor of Boston Michelle Wu declared a heat emergency in the city from Tuesday, June 18 through Thursday, June 20, due to anticipated temperatures soaring into the 90s and a heat index ranging from the mid-90s to 100 degrees.
Here are some of the resources the city offers to help residents stay cool:
- Cooling centers will be open at 14 Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. The full list can be found at boston.gov/heat.
- Splash pads at parks and playgrounds, as well as BCYF pools, are open citywide. Registration for indoor pool times is available online.
- The Office of Early Childhood will collaborate with BCYF and East Boston Social Centers to offer programs for children under five at the cooling centers.
- Boston Public Library locations will also provide relief from the heat on Tuesday and Thursday.
Boston Public Schools advises students and families to stay hydrated, dress appropriately, and move outdoor activities indoors as necessary. Ten school buildings without air conditioning will have extra fans and bottled water available.
The City will introduce new cooling measures, including outdoor misting towers at fire stations, parks, and Open Streets events. The Office of Emergency Management will provide pop-up cooling kits with misting tents and personal cooling kits. Three new “cool spots” have been added at BCYFs Menino in Roslindale, Tobin in Mission Hill, and Gallivan in Mattapan.
For those experiencing homelessness, air-conditioned emergency shelters at 112 Southampton Street (men’s) and 794 Massachusetts Avenue (women’s) are open 24/7. Amnesty will allow those with non-violent restrictions to access shelters.
For heat safety tips and more information, the Dorchester Post suggests visiting boston.gov/heat.
