,

Worcester opens cooling centers Tuesday amid high heat

Worcester opens cooling centers Tuesday amid high heat

WORCESTER—In response to forecasted high heat on Tuesday, July 8, the city is activating three public cooling centers to offer residents relief from the extreme temperatures.

The following locations will be open to the public and stocked with water:

  • Worcester Public Library (Main Branch), 3 Salem Square: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence St.: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Worcester 311 Customer Service Center, 799 Main St.: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All sites are accessible via Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) bus routes, which continue to operate fare-free. WRTA also provides curb-to-curb ADA transportation. For route or accessibility information, residents can call 508-791-9782.

As the city’s announcement reminds us, prolonged exposure to heat and humidity can disrupt the body’s natural cooling systems and lead to serious health risks. Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit strenuous activity, and check on vulnerable neighbors during the hottest parts of the day.

For more information on staying safe during the summer heat, visit the City of Worcester’s Summer Safety webpage or call 311.

Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.