Worcester To Hit 100 Degrees For First Time Since 1911

WORCESTER, MA — Record-breaking temperatures are expected in the city and across Massachusetts this weekend, starting on Friday. Worcester has seen some hot days but temperatures haven't hit 100 degrees for more than a century. Temperatures in the city this weekend were expected to range from the mid 90s to the low 100s. The combined extreme temperatures and high humidity could result in a heat index to up to 112 degrees.

The last time Worcester experienced heat this intense was on July 4, 1911. The infamous heat wave of 1911 lasted 11 days. It's hard to tell just how many people died from the intense heat that July, but according to The MetroWest Daily News, it's estimated that at least 500 Worcester County residents died of heat prostration and sunstroke.

The heat wave eventually broke July 13. Worcester had its fair share of hot days since, with a heat spell in 1921 that reached up to the 90s, but none compared to the heat wave of 1911.

Over a century later, Worcester is preparing for another burst of heat — modern technologies should help residents get through this heat wave easily, if not a bit sweaty. Some tips are timeless, like staying inside and drinking plenty of water. If your home is air conditioned, you should be smooth sailing. If not, the city has plenty of areas you can cool off for free.

All three Worcester branch libraries have air conditioning and will be open to the public. Worcester's main public library at 3 Salem Street will also be open on Saturday, July 20 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Frances Perkins Branch library is located at 470 W Boylston St and the Great Brook Valley Branch is located at 89 Tacoma St. Grab a book and enjoy the cool air.

Worcester operates one pool, two spray parks and four beaches:

• Crompton Park Pool at 50 Canton Street
• Cristoforo Colombo/East Spray Park at 180 Shrewsbury Street
• Greenwood Spray Park at 14 Forsberg Street
• Bell Pond Beach at 238 Belmont Street
• Indian Lake Beach at 20 Clason Road
• John J. Binienda Memorial Beach 180 Mill Street
• Shore Park Beach at 115 Shore Drive

The city is also home to three state beaches and pool:

• Dennis F. Shine Memorial Swimming Pool at 146 Providence Street
• Quinsigamond State Park at 10 N. Lake Ave.
• Veterans Memorial (Bennett Field) Swimming Pool at 1270 Main Street

Some local businesses are taking advantage of the record breaking heat, like Brew on the Grid coffee shop. The shop is planning to give away 100 free cold brew coffees whenever it hits 100 degrees in Worcester.