Boston declares heat emergency; Highs will hit 90s for 3 days

Mayor Michelle Wu declared a heat emergency as Boston prepares for temperatures to climb well into the 90s for several days. The heat emergency will last from July 15 through the 17.

For those seeking relief from the oppressive and likely heat wave, the mayor announced cooling centers will stay open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 14 Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) facilities.

"With extreme heat like we expect, heat related illnesses are more likely to occur," Adrian Jordan, Boston's chief of emergency preparedness, said in a statement. “We encourage residents to look out for each other and take full advantage of our cooling centers in addition to other cooling resources across the City.”

The city said Boston Emergency Medical Services often see a 10-15% spike in 911 calls during extreme heat. (Here are additional tips on how to stay cool and safe during heat waves.)

The heat emergency comes just days after the city issued a heat advisory during last week's hot, muggy weather.

The National Weather Service warned isolated severe thunderstorms were possible Monday afternoon, with additional scattered thunderstorms on Tuesday evening and again late Wednesday. NWS issued a heat advisory for most of southern New England that lasts until Wednesday evening.