The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from Tuesday morning through Thursday evening, with dangerously hot conditions and heat index values up to 105 degrees possible throughout the region. AccuWeather.com predicts high temperatures of 98 degrees on Tuesday, 99 degrees on Wednesday, 100 degrees on Thursday, and 95 degrees on Friday.
To help keep Summer Learning students and staff healthy and safe during this period of excessive heat, HPS schools are limiting outdoor recess breaks to minimize exposure to high temperatures and humidity. All HPS schools offer air conditioning, and school staff will monitor indoor air temperatures to ensure safe and comfortable learning spaces.
Families with students enrolled in summer programs are asked to send their children to school with full water bottles so they can remain hydrated on their way to and from school. Each school building offers a water bottle refilling station so students can refill their bottles while at school. Air conditioning will be in use at all HPS schools.
It’s important to take steps to remain cool, as hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat-related illnesses to occur. Extreme heat guidance | (En Español)
All community members are reminded to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room if possible, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
If you're looking for a place to stay cool, here are some local options:
Holyoke Library, 250 Chestnut Street, is open 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, closed on Sunday, and open 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
The Holyoke Senior Center, 291 Pine Street, is open 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on weekdays.
The Holyoke Mall is open 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Minors must be accompanied by an adult over 21 on weekends.
All three locations are air conditioned, free to enter, and are accessible via public transportation.
Additionally, splash pads are open at community parks from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the following locations:
Springdale Park, 844 Main Street
Feldman Spray Park, 1 Maple Street
Community Field, Community Field Road
Piña Park, 1916 Northampton Street
Carlos Vega Park, Hamilton Street