The Gloucester Fire Department, Health Department and Mayor Sefatia Theken’s office would like to advise residents that a heat wave has come to New England, and residents are urged to take all precautions necessary to stay safe and healthy.
Temperatures are expected to be in the 80s and possibly 90s on Saturday-Thursday, with extremely high humidity possible. Peak temperatures and humidity levels can be expected on Sunday and Monday.
The following information was released by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at 4 p.m. Friday afternoon:
Heat and humidity to continue through the weekend into next week
Heat and humidity will build across Southern New England, however at times there will be relief along the coast in part due to onshore sea-breezes.
Nevertheless, there is the risk with prolonged outdoor heat and exposure of heat-related illnesses, especially for people who are not wearing loose, light-weight clothing and/or are out in the sun for long periods of time.
Plenty of sunshine with a UV index of 9 or above, protection from sun damage is recommended. Highs ranging from the upper 80s to mid 90s. Heat indices as high as 105 degrees. High confidence.
For July 4
In addition to heat and humidity, there is the chance on the 4th for afternoon into evening scattered showers and thunderstorms.
As always, with cloud to ground lightning there is the threat to life. High confidence on heat and humidity, however lower with any inclement weather, associated timing and impacts.
MEMA Operations
The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) at MEMA Headquarters in Framingham is currently operating at Level 1 (Steady State Monitoring). MEMA will continue to monitor the forecast and will disseminate Situational Awareness Statements as necessary.
Preparedness and Safety Information
- Thunderstorm and Lightning Safety Tips: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/thunderstorm-and-lightning-safety-tips
- Extreme Heat Safety Tips: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/extreme-heat-safety-tips
- Tornado Safety Tips: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/tornado-safety-tips
Stay Informed
Utilize Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service. Massachusetts Alerts is a free app that is available for Android and iPhones. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: http://www.mass.gov/service-details/massachusetts-alerts-smartphone-app.
Utilize MEMA’s real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times:http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html
Utilize MEMA’s live weather radar and forecasting tools: http://www.mass.gov/map-resources
Online Resources
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at www.mass.gov/mema
MEMA’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA
MEMA Twitter: @MassEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov
National Weather Service/Taunton at www.weather.gov/boston
National Weather Service/Albany, NY at www.weather.gov/albany
National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center: http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov
National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/
Mass211 at www.mass211.org