By Tiffany Williams –
BOSTON — The City of Boston is urging residents and visitors to prepare for dangerous heat expected to impact the region Tuesday and Wednesday, as forecasters predict heat index values between 95 and 103 degrees with little overnight relief.
City officials announced Monday that a range of cooling resources, emergency services and public facilities will be available to help people safely navigate the expected heat wave, while encouraging residents to take precautions and check on those who may be especially vulnerable.
“As we face another heat wave, our primary focus is keeping every member of our community safe,” said Chief of Emergency Preparedness Adrian Jordan. “We continue to ask residents to not only look out for themselves but to check in on neighbors, elderly family members, and pets who may be highly vulnerable to these high temperatures.”
The City said Boston Emergency Medical Services typically experiences a 10% to 15% increase in 9-1-1 calls during heat waves, highlighting the strain extreme temperatures can place on both residents and emergency responders.
Officials emphasized that extreme heat can affect anyone, regardless of age or existing medical conditions, making preparation important for the entire community.
Among the resources available during the heat event is AlertBoston, the City’s opt-in emergency notification system that provides updates and guidance during significant emergencies through phone calls, text messages and email. The notifications are available in 11 languages.
Residents and visitors are also encouraged to use the City’s online heat resource page, which includes information about cooling locations, educational materials for families and children, and guidance for older adults, people with disabilities, individuals experiencing homelessness and other populations that may face elevated risks during extreme heat.
The City also announced updates to its heat preparedness system for 2026.
Under the revised guidelines, Boston will now issue a heat advisory when the heat index reaches 95 degrees for two hours over two consecutive days or reaches 100 degrees for two consecutive hours in a single day.
An excessive heat warning will now be issued when the heat index reaches 105 degrees or higher for two or more consecutive hours in one day or when temperatures increase by at least 25 degrees within a 24-hour period while reaching at least 90 degrees.
Officials said the updated thresholds are intended to better align Boston’s response with regional partners while helping ensure public safety resources are deployed efficiently during periods of dangerous heat.
To help residents stay cool, splash pads throughout Boston parks and playgrounds remain open, while city swimming pools are also available during their regular operating hours.
Boston Centers for Youth & Families community centers will serve as cooling locations during normal business hours on Tuesday and Wednesday, providing air-conditioned spaces where residents can escape the heat.
Boston Public Library branches will also remain available during their normal hours, allowing visitors to cool off while participating in summer programming for children, teenagers and adults.
City officials are encouraging residents to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids regardless of activity level while avoiding alcohol and beverages high in sugar or caffeine.
People who must spend time outdoors are encouraged to take frequent breaks in shaded areas, drink water continuously even if they do not feel thirsty and watch for symptoms including dizziness, nausea and confusion.
The City also reminded residents to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion, which include heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea and muscle aches.
Officials advised anyone whose symptoms persist to call 9-1-1 immediately without delaying medical care.
The City noted that heat remains the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States and can worsen underlying medical conditions.
Residents are also encouraged to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 along with loose-fitting clothing, long-sleeved shirts and hats when spending time outdoors.
Officials reminded homeowners to ensure window air-conditioning units are properly secured according to manufacturer specifications.
The City also warned residents to plug air conditioners and fans directly into wall outlets instead of using extension cords or overloading power strips because doing so can create serious fire hazards.
For those planning to visit beaches, lakes or swimming pools during the hot weather, officials urged swimmers to remain in areas monitored by lifeguards while closely supervising children near the water and ensuring they wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
City leaders also encouraged residents to check on neighbors, particularly older adults and people with disabilities, during the period of extreme heat.
Older adults who need transportation to cooler locations may qualify for discounted taxi vouchers through the Age Strong Commission.
Officials also reminded pet owners to keep animals indoors whenever possible, ensure they have access to water and avoid exposing them to dangerously hot pavement and other surfaces.
Special attention is also being directed toward individuals experiencing homelessness.
The City urged residents to call 9-1-1 if they encounter someone experiencing homelessness who appears immobile or disoriented because of the heat.
The Boston Public Health Commission continues to coordinate emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies and first responders to provide shelter, transportation and other services for individuals in need.
Emergency shelters operated by the Boston Public Health Commission remain air-conditioned and operate around the clock.
When temperatures reach 90 degrees or higher, amnesty is provided for individuals with nonviolent restrictions.
Men seeking shelter can go to the 112 Southampton Street Shelter, while women can access services at the Woods Mullen Shelter on Massachusetts Avenue.
Officials said the City continues working with additional shelter providers to help ensure people have access to shelter, food, resources and relief from dangerous temperatures.
Street outreach teams from the Boston Public Health Commission will continue operating throughout the heat event, transporting individuals to shelters, treatment facilities, homes or other destinations while distributing drinking water to those in need.
The City also highlighted the heightened risks extreme heat poses to children.
Officials said infants and young children are more vulnerable because they heat up faster than adults while producing less sweat, making it more difficult for their bodies to cool themselves.
Residents are reminded never to leave children or pets inside parked vehicles, even for a short period.
Families with children younger than 10 years old are encouraged to install child window guards on open windows located more than 12 feet above the ground to reduce the risk of falls.
Officials also advised children to wear shoes while using splash pads, playgrounds, spray decks and synthetic athletic fields because surfaces can become hot enough to cause burns.
The City also issued reminders regarding outdoor fire safety during the hot weather.
Outdoor fires, including fire pits, chimineas and bonfires, remain prohibited throughout Boston.
Charcoal grills must remain on the ground, positioned away from buildings and never left unattended.
Ashes should only be discarded after they have completely cooled and should be placed in metal containers.
Propane grills are permitted only on first-floor porches that have direct steps leading to the ground.
Officials advised residents not to position propane grills near air-conditioning units or directly against buildings and reminded users to ensure all propane connections are secure while never bringing propane tanks inside homes.
Grills should only be used in well-ventilated outdoor areas.
City officials said Boston’s broader response to extreme heat is guided by the Heat Resilience Solutions for Boston framework, a long-term initiative focused on helping the city prepare for increasingly hot summers and more frequent periods of extreme heat.
The framework includes 26 strategies designed to improve Boston’s resilience while addressing the impacts of rising temperatures across neighborhoods throughout the city.
With dangerous heat expected to continue through at least Wednesday, officials are urging residents to remain alert, take appropriate precautions and make use of the City’s available resources to reduce the risk of heat-related illness.