Overview

• Mayor Michelle Wu declared the heat emergency in effect from Aug. 11 through Aug. 13 after forecasts predicted consecutive days with heat indexes at or above 95°F.
• All 36 Boston Centers for Youth & Families and Boston Public Library branches will serve as official cooling centers, with public pools and splash pads also available.
• Chief of Emergency Preparedness Adrian Jordan advised residents to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors.
• NBC10 Boston meteorologists warned that returning wildfire smoke may degrade air quality, prompting sensitive groups to reduce outdoor exposure.
• Emergency Medical Services in Boston typically see a 10–15% surge in 911 calls during heat waves, underscoring strain on city resources.