Weather
Worcester Opens Cooling Centers With 100-Degree Heat In Forecast
Several locations across the city will serve as cooling centers this week.
WORCESTER, MA — Worcester residents will be able to cool off this week as the city announced it will activate cooling centers amid high temperatures.
Several locations across the city will serve as cooling centers this week, including the Worcester Senior Center, the Worcester Public Library Main Branch and the YMCA of Central Massachusetts.
This comes as high temperatures are forecast for both Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
The NWS issued a Heat Advisory for most of Massachusetts starting Tuesday at 11 a.m. and running through Wednesday at 8 p.m., with temperatures forecast to reach 100 degrees, high humidity, and a heat index of up to 102.
Cooling centers will be open at the following times and locations:
- Tuesday, July 14
- Worcester Senior Center (128 Providence St.): 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Worcester Public Library – Main Branch (3 Salem Sq.): 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- YMCA of Central Massachusetts (766 Main St.): 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 15
- Worcester Senior Center (128 Providence St.): 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Worcester Public Library – Main Branch (3 Salem Sq.): 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- YMCA of Central Massachusetts (766 Main St.): 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Each facility will have water supplies on hand for distribution.
All facilities are accessible by Worcester Regional Transit Authority buses, which remain fare-free. The WRTA also offers curb-to-curb ADA transportation. Residents can call the WRTA at 508-791-9782 for information about bus routes, ADA transportation and travel training.
City officials said prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity can affect the body’s cooling systems, increasing the risk of illness. Residents are advised to limit strenuous physical activity, drink water and check on neighbors.
More information is available on the city’s Summer Safety webpage here.
