Amid Heat Warning, City Opens WMHS to Residents for Relief

Potentially dangerous heat and humidity levels will spread across Woburn and the rest of Massachusetts starting this afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned residents yesterday.

In a statement, the NWS said that an excessive heat watch is in effect from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon, with temperatures of 95 to 100 degrees and, combined with the humidity, heat index values up to around 105 degrees. That means, that even though the temperate may read 95, it will feel like 105 degrees. 

To help , the city is opening between noon and 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. The will also remain open during those hours. If necessary, WMHS will stay open until 11 p.m., said officials Wednesday. 

Seniors will also have the opportunity to stay cool at the at 4 p.m. today for Mayor Scott Galvin's Red Sox party at the facility. 

The NWS warned that today's oppressive heat may lead to heat illnesses for children, seniors and anyone undertaking strenuous physical activity during the day.

"An excessive heat watch means that dangerously hot temperatures are expected with heat indices of 105 degrees of greater," the NWS said. "The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible."

To avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke, people should wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. Also, avoid prolonged exposure in the sun, drink plenty of fluids, try to stay in an air-conditioned environment and check up on relatives and neighbors.

For more tips on what you can do to stay cool during the heatwave, .

For some ideas on activities that will help you keep cool in Woburn, . 

"Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location," the NWS said. "Heat stroke is an emergency—call 911."