NORTHAMPTON — The city is opening a cooling center in response to extreme and potentially dangerous heat in the forecast over the next several days.
The Northampton Senior Center at 67 Conz St. will serve as a cooling center for the members of the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week.
The National Weather Service reports that a heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, and an excessive heat watch is in effect from Thursday morning through the evening. The affected communities include Northampton, Greenfield, Springfield and the surrounding areas.
Temperatures Wednesday could reach a high of 92 with a heat index, or apparent temperature, of up to 100 degrees. Thursday’s forecast is even hotter, with a high of 96 and heat index of up to 109, and Friday’s high is 94 with a 40% chance of showers in the afternoon.
“Heat stress is a serious condition that poses a health threat to many people, particularly the elderly and youth,” according to a statement from the office of Mayor David Narkewicz. “Heat stress places a strain on the body, and if the strain becomes too great, it can cause serious and permanent damage, even death.”
During the heat wave, everyone is encouraged to stay indoors as much as possible, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity and high protein foods that increase the body’s metabolic rate. Never leave a child or a pet in a closed vehicle, the city advises, and be sure to check on family, friends and neighbors.
The cooling center is open to all, but anyone who is sick is asked to stay home and call their doctor. Visitors will be socially distanced once inside, and the center will be disinfected every night.
“The city is following CDC guidance for operating a cooling center during the COVID-19 pandemic to safeguard all cooling center users and staff,” according to the city’s statement. “Visitors will need to wear masks on entry, must sign a COVID-19 health screening form, and provide contact information. Masks and hand sanitizer will be provided for those that need them.”
Anyone who needs help during the heat wave can call Northampton Public Safety at (413) 587-1100.
Brian Steele can be reached at bsteele@gazettenet.com.