MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS STATEMENT #2
DATE: July 19, 2019
TIME: 10:30 AM
SUBJECT: Excessive Heat and Humidity Today through Sunday
Situation
- The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting excessive heat and humidity to begin this afternoon, peaking Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Daytime highs are forecast to be in the 90s to low 100s today through Sunday, with dew points in the low to mid 70s. Little cooling is expected to take place in the overnight hours, with lows in most areas only dropping to the mid 70s to near 80.
- Heat index values are expected to reach 95 to 100 degrees this afternoon. Please see graphics below.
- Heat index values could reach 107 to 112 degrees on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon for most of the region, with values between 96 and 102 degrees across Berkshire County, Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. This level of heat and humidity is dangerous and relatively rare for this part of the country. Please see graphics below.
- The NWS has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for most of Massachusetts for noon today through 8:00 PM Sunday. Heat Advisories are in effect for Berkshire County, Cape Cod, and Martha’s Vineyard during the same timeframe. Please see graphic below.
- A cold front is expected to bring relief from high temperatures and humidity starting Monday.
Impacts
- Prolonged exposure to heat and humidity will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Cooling Centers
- Cities and towns planning to open cooling centers are asked to share this information with their MEMA Regional office or MEMA’s 24/7 communications center at 508-820-2000, or post the information directly into the WebEOC Shelter Board. Mass211 will utilize information posted on WebEOC to share with the public.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Emergency Waiver
- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Emergency Medical Services has issued a waiver allowing EMS providers to transport to local shelters/cooling centers as needed (see attached). This waiver is in effect starting today at 8:00 AM through Monday, July 22 at 8:00 AM.
Watches, Warnings, Advisories
Excessive Heat Warning
Expiring: July 21 at 8:00PM EDT |
| Areas affected: Central Middlesex County; Eastern Essex; Eastern Franklin; Eastern Hampden; Eastern Hampshire; Eastern Norfolk; Eastern Plymouth; Northern Bristol; Northern Worcester; Northwest Middlesex County; Southeast Middlesex; Southern Bristol; Southern Plymouth; Southern Worcester; Suffolk; Western Essex; Western Franklin; Western Hampden; Western Hampshire; Western Norfolk; Western Plymouth |
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Graphics:
Watches/Warnings/Advisories
Maximum Heat Indices – Today
Maximum Heat Indices – Saturday
Maximum Heat Indices – Sunday
MEMA Operations
- The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is operating at Level 1 (Steady State Monitoring). MEMA will continue to monitor the forecast and will disseminate additional Situational Awareness Statements as necessary.
Preparedness and Safety Information
Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20°F within 10 minutes.
Check with your local authorities or call 2-1-1 to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you.
Know the symptoms of and watch out for heat-related illnesses. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.
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.
For more heat safety tips, visit:
www.mass.gov/mema/heat
Online Resources:
For additional information and resources, visit: