As Heat Index Hits 107, Find Cooling Centers In MA

BOSTON — A heat wave will scorch Massachusetts this weekend and temperatures were expected to hit life-threatening highs. The heat index Friday will hit 95 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. It will be even hotter Saturday, when the heat index hits 107.

With temperatures that hot, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible. People should drink plenty of fluids and stay in an air-conditioned room whenever possible. If you don't have an air conditioner, spending a few hours at a cooling center might be your best best.

Massachusetts cooling centers

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Worcester was expected to see 100-degree temperatures over the weekend for the first ime since 1911. The heat index will reach as high as 112 degrees in some areas this weekend, NWS said. The heat index is how hot it feels when you go outside, even if the temperature is a bit less. Temperatures will range from the mid-90s to the low-100s this weekend.

Many communities, like Boston, set up cooling center at libraries and other public buildings. In Boston, every public library and Boston Center for Youth and Families (BCYF) is designated as a cooling center. Many of the BCYF centers have pools, so taking a swim is also a great way to beat the heat. A full list of libraries and BCYF centers can be found on the city's website.

Massachusetts weekend weather forecast

• Friday, July 19 - Mostly sunny. High of 89. Heat index as high as 95.
• Friday night - Partly cloudy. Low of 74.
• Saturday, July 20 - Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index as high as 107. High temperatures lasting until 9 p.m.
• Saturday night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
• Sunday, July 21 - Mostly sunny, with a high of 95.
• Sunday night - A chance of showers, and a low around 69.

Heat-related illnesses

To prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke, experts recommend the following tips:

• Drink more fluids than usual, and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids that contain high amounts of sugar.
• Check on friends and neighbors, particularly those who are caring for young children and those who are elderly.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
• Stay out of the sun. Find a shaded area where you can sit and relax, particularly during the hottest parts of the day.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Add a hat if you must be outside.
• Limit outdoor activities, especially at mid-day. If you exercise outdoors, move your workout to a morning or evening time, take it indoors to an air-conditioned environment, or try swimming, which is a great summer exercise.
• If you work outside, wear sunscreen and re-apply frequently, pace your activity, stay hydrated and check on co-workers.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down, particularly if you're unable to be in an air-conditioned location.
• Avoid turning on your oven, if possible. It will make your house hotter.
• Never leave young children or pets in parked cars, even with the windows down.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale or clammy skin, a faint or weak pulse, nausea or vomiting and fainting. To treat symptoms of heat exhaustion, move the person to a cooler area and loosen their clothing. Have them sip water and apply cool, wet cloths to help cool them down. Seek medical attention if they begin to vomit or if symptoms worsen or don't go away after an hour.

Heat stroke, meanwhile, is a more serious condition. Symptoms include a high body temperature of 103 degrees or more, skin that is hot, dry, red or moist, rapid pulse, confusion and loss of consciousness. If someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately and then move the person to a cooler area and apply cold cloths or put the person in a cool bath to lower their body temperature.