Worcester To Open Cooling Centers As Heat Advisory Takes Effect

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester will open cooling centers Friday and Saturday as dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected to push the heat index to unsafe levels.

City officials activated the centers in response to a forecast of high heat and a heat advisory in effect for Friday, Aug. 7 and Saturday, Aug. 8. Water will be available at each location.

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Cooling centers will operate at the following locations:

Friday, Aug. 7

• Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence St.: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Worcester Public Library Main Branch, 3 Salem Square: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Worcester 311, 799 Main St.: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 8

• Worcester Public Library Main Branch, 3 Salem Square: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Worcester 311, 799 Main St.: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All cooling centers are accessible via the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, which continues to offer fare-free bus service. The WRTA also provides curb-to-curb ADA transportation. For route information, ADA transportation, or travel training, residents can call the WRTA at 508-791-9782.

City officials urged residents to take precautions during the extreme heat, noting that prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity can overwhelm the body's natural cooling system and increase the risk of heat-related illness.

Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day and check on neighbors, especially older adults and others who may be vulnerable to the heat.

More information is available on the City of Worcester's Summer Safety webpage.

See Also:

• Worcester To Host First Half Marathon In A Decade: What To Know
• Worcester Schools Names 11 Principals For 2026-27