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Heat Advisory Still In Place, Community Cooling Stations Available

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Remember a few months ago when we all dreamed about warm summer weather?
 
Well, those days are here. They are really here.
 
The US National Weather Service has declared a heat advisory in North Adams until 8 pm this evening. Temperatures are anticipated to stay in the 90s and upper 80s throughout the afternoon and evening, according to Accuweather.
 
There will be a similar temperature range in South County however in Pittsfield, temperatures aren't expected to reach the 80s.
 
Still, a heat advisory remains in place throughout the county. This means high temperatures and high humidity that could cause heat illness so mind your time outdoors.
 
Per the Alert: 
 
"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
 
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1."
 
It is also important to note that pets should not be left outside and children or pets should never be left in closed vehicles. Also, make sure you and your pets are drinking plenty of water.
 
Also, be a good neighbor: Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, those who may need additional assistance, and those who may not have air conditioning.
 
Communities have set up cooling centers.
 
In Pittsfield:
  • Christian Center, 193 Robbins Ave., open through 7 p.m. today and 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
  • Salvation Army, 298 West St., open through 1 p.m. today and 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
  • Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, 330 North St., open through 4 p.m. today and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday.
In Adams:
  • Adams Visitors Center: 9:00am-4:00pm (water and staff) (Extended hours to TBD per EMD Kleiner)
In North Adams:
  • North Adams Public Library 10am-5pm has water on site
  • North Adams Spitzer Center (8-4, will stay open later if needed)~ two rooms with AC
 
In Williamstown:
  • Williamstown Police Department Training Room 
 
With the heat and high humidity, thunderstorms can be expected in the late afternoon in North and Central County.
 
It should be more of the same for the rest of the week, however, Accuweather predicts things wont feel as hot.
 
Expect temperatures in the high 80s, low 90s Wednesday with possible strong afternoon thunderstorms that could cause  lash flooding and damaging winds.
 
And we should all get a break Thursday. Accuweather predicate temperatures will drop back down into the 70s on Thursday and into the high 60s on Friday. More thunderstorms can be expected.
 
Similar temperatures can be expected throughout the county.
 
The weekend actually looks fairly nice. According to Accuweather North Adams is in store for sun and a very manageable high of 71 degrees on Saturday and 73 degrees on Sunday.   
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


Tags: heat,   weather,   

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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