Boston Declares Heat Emergency; State Closes Public Pools

Boston declared a heat emergency Tuesday as the temperature rose to 95 degrees, tying the city's temperature record for Aug. 18. Forecasters say the scorching temperatures will last at least through Wednesday.

"It might be a few degrees down, but there's a good chance it'll hit 90 again," said WCVB meterologist Harvey Leonard. "And if that happens, Boston will officially have a heat wave."

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino has asked Bostonians to be considerate of neighbors during the hot spell. "For folks who live near a person that may be handicapped or elderly, knock on their door, see if they need some help during this extreme heat," Menino said. "Just be a friendly city and ask people to share and help people."

Menino said the city is opening dozens of cooling centers until 10 p.m. City-run swimming pools will remain open until 9 p.m.

Meanwhile, the state Department of Recreation and Conservation was closing 21 of the 27 pools it runs statewide. The agency says the decision to close the public pools in mid-August has to do with staffing levels. Many of the lifeguards are college students who are beginning to head back to school.

The six pools remaining open will close on a staggered schedule over the next couple of weeks.

An air-quality alert has been posted for much of the state, including Boston.