Beating the Heat in Medford

A heat wave that has gripped much of the country is heating up the Medford area and an “excessive heat watch” is on for Thursday and Friday.

The National Weather Service issues an Excessive Heat Watch when “dangerously hot temperatures are expected with heat indices of 105 degrees or greater.” A combination of hot temperatures and high humidity are expected to make Thursday and Friday feel like 105 degrees, and the heat watch is in effect each day between 12PM and 8pm.

According to Medford Director of Public Health and Elder Affairs Karen Rose, all are welcome to use the Medford Senior Center, located at 101 Riverside Avenue, as a cooling center. The building will be open until 8:30PM.

Additionally, Thursday night’s summer concert at City Hall has been moved to the Senior Center due to the expected high heat.

Rose said Lawrence Memorial Hospital, located at 170 Governors Avenue, is offering up its cafeteria and lobby as cooling centers. The cafeteria is open until 7PM and the lobby until 9PM.

So far, said Rose, she hasn’t received any heat complaints or any news of seniors or others at risk in their homes.

According to Rose, if the heat continues for “too long,” emergency preparedness officials will meet to discuss next steps.

In the mean time, in extreme heat everyone, especially children, the elderly, and those working outdoors are urged to use caution, limit time in the sun, drink plenty of water, and to take frequent breaks in cool areas.

– InsideMedford.com