NORTHAMPTON — As weather forecasters predict punishing heat and humidity for the next several days, officials in Hampshire County are opening cooling centers to keep people safe.
Every day through Friday, Northampton is offering at least three cooling centers and Easthampton is opening one at the Council on Aging on Wednesday and Thursday.
“Cooling centers are open to all members of the public, and anyone in need of a cool place during the heat wave is encouraged to visit,” Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra’s office said in a statement on Tuesday. “For those who do not wish to visit a cooling center, please remember that there are other public air-conditioned places in the area where you can get relief (libraries, theaters, shopping centers, etc.).”
According to the National Weather Service, a heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday in numerous Pioneer Valley communities including Northampton, Amherst, Greenfield, Orange and Springfield. The city of Springfield opened cooling centers on Tuesday.
The National Weather Service extended forecast shows high temperatures above 90 degrees every day through at least Saturday, with the lowest nighttime temperature at 67.
The heat index, also called the “feels-like” or apparent temperature, could reach as high as 99 on Wednesday. Thursday could see showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon, but the forecast calls for partly sunny skies with a high of 92.
The Northampton cooling center locations and hours are as follows: Forbes Library, 20 West St., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. all three days; Senior Center, 67 Conz St., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. all three days; and Manna Community Center, 48 Elm St., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
On Thursday and Friday, Lilly Library at 19 Meadow St. in Florence will serve as a cooling center from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Those who need non-emergency assistance during the heat wave can call Northampton Public Safety at (413) 587-1100.
Sciarra’s statement encourages residents to drink water regularly, regardless of thirst; to stay indoors as much as possible; cover windows that let in morning or afternoon sunlight; and eat regular, well-balanced meals and avoid high-protein foods that increase the body’s metabolic rate, among other tips like wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the National Weather Service advisory reads. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. … Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.”
Amherst officials are not planning to open cooling centers, but residents are encouraged to visit municipal buildings such as the Jones Library if they need relief from the heat.
The Easthampton Council on Aging, 19 Union St., will serve as a cooling center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
“Space is available inside the main lobby to accommodate individuals needing refuge from the environmental elements,” Mayor Nicole LaChapelle’s office said in a statement. “Face coverings will be available for individuals who wish to have one. The cooling area will have drinking water for those using the facility.”
The city encourages staying indoors or limiting outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours, if possible. Those who must go outside should rest often in shady areas, use high-SPF sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
“If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Use fans to stay cool and avoid using your stove and oven,” LaChapelle’s statement reads. “Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, those who may need additional assistance, and those who may not have air conditioning.”
Brian Steele can be reached at bsteele@gazettenet.com