PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Summer is here, and people are feeling it with the heat wave that has hit central and eastern U.S., including Berkshire County. 

 

On Wednesday, the U.S. Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health issued an extreme heat alert, advising people to remember that the first heatwave of the season is when risk is the highest.

 

"Data show that heat-related illnesses and hospital visits spike during the first stretch of [85-degree] F days, before people have acclimated to the heat," it stated. 

 

According to The Weather Channel, people will be experiencing the "hottest temperatures of the year and uncomfortably muggy air from the Midwest and the Northeast."

 

The dangerous heat dome is expected to last into much of the week for some areas. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the region through 8 p.m. on Tuesday, and says while the temperature may be in the 90s, the heat index value is up to 102 degrees.

 

Wednesday is expected to be in the high 80s with chances of thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening. Thursday should bring some relief with temperatures dropping into the 70s. 

 

During prolonged periods of extreme heat, the body has to work harder to stay cool, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening if precautions are not taken, according to the Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health.

 

"While anyone can be affected, older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, workers exposed to excessive heat, and people with chronic medical conditions are especially vulnerable," it said 

 

"Taking preventive steps — like staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity, and seeking cooler environments — can help protect your patients and community members during periods of extreme heat." 

 

Several community organizations, including libraries, senior centers, churches, and public spaces, are open for use as cooling centers. 

 

Some locations include the Pittsfield Senior Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Dalton Community Recreation Association Hall of Fame from 5:30 a.m. until 8 p.m., the Berkshire Athenaeum, the Spitzer Center, and more. 

 

A list of cooling centers can be found here. 

 

Explore guidance, tools, and resources to help understand, prepare for, and stay safe during periods of extreme heat in Massachusetts here.