Weather Today: Boston Sizzles in Record Heat Wave
The heat wave has shattered daily records, reaching triple digits, and experts warn that the heat can be especially deadly due to the body's inability to acclimate to it quickly. By taking simple steps, such as staying hydrated, staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day, and using cooling techniques, residents can reduce their risk of heat illness and stay safe during the extreme heat.
Boston has experienced its hottest June day on record, with temperatures reaching 102 degrees on Tuesday, and feeling like 106 degrees with humidity, as a heat dome brings extreme heat to the city, causing residents to seek refuge in air-conditioned spaces and prompting warnings from health experts about the dangers of heat illness.
The heat wave, which has been exacerbated by climate change, has led to a 10% increase in heat-related calls to Boston EMS, with 17 incidents reported on Monday, and an uptick in heat illness cases at the emergency department at Tufts Medical Center. Dr. Lauren Rice, chief of pediatric emergency medicine, warned that people often underestimate their hydration levels, and residents, particularly those who work outdoors, are vulnerable to heat illness, with symptoms including headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and hot skin.
The city's heat islands, particularly in Chinatown, East Boston, and the South End, are particularly hot, with temperatures reaching 101 degrees in Chelsea and 103 in Dorchester. Experts say that regulations are missing to protect residents from extreme heat, particularly in apartments without air conditioning, and that landlords are not required to provide air conditioning, and many residents cannot afford it. The city's older housing stock often means poor insulation, reducing the effectiveness of air conditioning.
To combat the heat, residents are advised to plan ahead, drink plenty of water, and take precautions to stay cool, such as keeping windows shaded and curtains closed, avoiding using the oven or stove, and using a wet sheet to cool down at night. Public libraries often serve as cooling centers for those without air conditioning, and reducing climate pollution by transitioning to renewable energy sources and making homes more energy-efficient can help mitigate the effects of heatwaves in the long term.
As the heat wave is expected to continue through Wednesday, with temperatures remaining dangerously high, residents are urged to take necessary precautions to stay safe, and a cooldown is expected on Thursday, with a cold front bringing rain and relief from the heat. With heat being the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the US, experts warn that older people and outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable, and it is crucial to take steps to protect oneself from the extreme heat.