The city declared a heat advisory for Monday July 13 and a heat emergency Tuesday July 14 and Wednesday July 15, when the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures could reach 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
The city issued a reminder that extreme heat can lead to illnesses such as heat stroke and dehydration, which can have serious effects, especially for older adults, young children, those with chronic medical conditions, the unhoused and people who work outdoors.
It also noted that the branches of the Cambridge Public Library will offer air-conditioned spaces during regular hours, as well as water fountains. Branch hours and locations can be found on the City’s website, and also listed below:
Main Library: Monday through Wednesday 9 a.m. -9 p.m.
Boudreau: Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Central Square: Monday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Collins: Monday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
O’Connell: Monday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
O’Neill: Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Valente: Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
In addition, The Foundry, located at 101 Rogers Street in East Cambridge, will also be open to any community members in need during this extreme heat, Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdasy from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The city encouraged residents to visit pools and parks with water features.
Outreach teams will be utilized to support the unhoused community during extreme heat. If you are concerned about a person who is unhoused, please call First Step at (617) 592-6895 or call 911 if the person is experiencing an emergency.
Local shelters are also planning to offer extended daytime drop-in hours.
To reduce load on the electricity grid, the city asked residents to consider:
- Raising air conditioning temperatures by a few degrees in the afternoon.
- Turning off lights anywhere they are not critical and dimming others if possible.
- Turning off air conditioning and fans in unoccupied areas.
- Turning off lights and window air conditioners at the end of the day.
- Closing window shades to keep out the sun’s heat.
- Unplugging any phone/laptop and other device chargers from outlets to reduce the plug load.
- If you drive an EV, please charge it overnight or after peak hours (after 8 p.m.) rather than during the afternoon.
For more information visit cambridgema.gov/heat.
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