Cooling centers open during heat advisory

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – A Heat Advisory is in effect for central and eastern Hampden County until 7 p.m. Friday for heat index values around 100 degrees.

Thursday will be a mostly dry day with a breeze from the west. Skies will be partly to mostly sunny. Humidity will be a bit lower with high temperatures in the low 90s. There is a slight chance for an isolated shower Thursday afternoon but mostly everyone stays dry.

Springfield, Amherst, and Easthampton have opened cooling centers as temperatures are expected to rise over 90 degrees on Thursday and Friday. With the humidity and high heat combined residents are being reminded to stay hydrated, keep cool, and keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion in your family and pets.

Springfield has seven locations on open Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Raymond A. Jordan Senior
• Hungry Hill Senior Center
• Mason Square Library Community Room
• Indian Orchard Community Center at Myrtle Street Park
• Senior Center in the North End at Kenefick Park
• South End Community Center
• Clodo Concepcion (Greenleaf) Community Center

Mayor Sarno states, “Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and I want to remind residents to be mindful and take the necessary steps to seek relief during these excessive hot days of summer.  Stay hydrated, check on your elderly neighbors, be mindful of your pets, and please take advantage of our cooling centers, libraries, and wonderful park facilities that offer the resources for staying cool during these hot summer days.”

HHS Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris states, “Heat stress is a serious condition that poses a health threat to many people, particularly the elderly. Preventive measures should be taken in order to avoid heat stress including staying out of the sun and drinking plenty of water. I encourage residents to take advantage of our cooling centers and to please check in on your family and neighbors, especially the older folks in our community.”

In Amherst, the Bangs Community Center and the city’s three public libraries will be open. Splash pads and pools are open at Groff Park and the Mill River recreation area, both free to the public.

Easthampton announced that their cooling center will be open through August 5th at the Public Safety Complex from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nonotuck Spray Park will have extended hours open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

7 Day Forecast

Thursday night will be scattered clouds with lows in the mid to upper 60s. Friday looks to be a sun and cloud mix with the chance for scattered afternoon/evening showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures will be in the in the low 90s.

The weekend looks unsettled with scattered showers and storms.

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