PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The next few days are going to be a scorcher for New England.
The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., has issued a heat advisory from noon to Tuesday to 8 p.m. on Thursday.
Temperatures are expected in the low 90s but the high humidity could spike the heat index to 105 degrees.
Numerous agencies and meteorologists are offering guidance on staying cool and out of the sun. Local cooling centers include libraries and senior centers.
Misting fans will be located at Persip Park and the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center during daytime hours Tuesday through Friday; the senior center will open from 8 to 4 but closed for the Wednesday holiday.
The North Adams library will be opend from 10 to 5 Tuesday and Thursday and the Mary Spitzer Senior Center from 8 to 4; the splash pad at Noel Field will be open.
"Extreme heat can pose health challenges, particularly for our more vulnerable populations such as older adults, children and those with chronic health conditions," said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Dawn Brantley. "We encourage residents to plan ahead and take common-sense steps to protect against heat-related illnesses, including staying hydrated, keeping out of the sun, checking on elderly neighbors and being aware of nearby cooling centers."
Most heat-related illnesses occur because the victim has been over-exposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Although anyone can suffer from a heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Those at greater risk include older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight. To reduce the risks of extreme heat conditions, MEMA urges to take the proper safety precautions to protect yourself and your family.
Wear light clothing, reduce activity, don't leave children or pets in cars, stay inside or in the shade as much as possible (pets, too), drink lots of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks, and take frequent breaks.
"We are encouraging anyone who has to work outside, including our highway crews, to take steps to keep themselves safe, especially Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. "The traveling public should also be aware that the operation of certain transportation infrastructure, especially moveable bridges, may be adversely impacted by the heat."
The state Department of Transportation is advising travelers to check their vehicles before leaving on trips to ensure radiators have sufficient coolant and that other fluid levels are keeping with safe operation.?It's also advising to plan trips during the cooler times of the day and to pack water.
Eversource says its prepared for a jump in power needs, noting customers use about 40 percent more electricity to keep cool "when the mercury soars."
"Our crews are focused on working safely to ensure reliable electric service for our customers year-round, especially during these hot and humid days when many customers will have their fans and AC units running in full force," said Eversource President of Regional Electric Operations Craig Hallstrom. "We begin preparing well in advance for the increased demand we typically see this time of year by conducting ground and aerial inspections of the electrical system so we can proactively detect and address any issues."
To manage energy use, he suggests keeping air conditioners as low as comfortable and vents clear; use major appliances during cooler hours; keep blinds or curtains closed; use LED lights and set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and turn them off when leaving the room.
This is just the beginning of a lnog stretch of HOT and Humid Weather. Close to 90 today-Tomorrow and Wed/Thu-mid to upper 90s, but it will feel 100-105 with dew points near 70. Slow down take it easy. Please keep your pets safe in this heat.https://t.co/2cGQ73y4vv
This is just the beginning of a lnog stretch of HOT and Humid Weather. Close to 90 today-Tomorrow and Wed/Thu-mid to upper 90s, but it will feel 100-105 with dew points near 70. Slow down take it easy. Please keep your pets safe in this heat.https://t.co/2cGQ73y4vv
This is just the beginning of a lnog stretch of HOT and Humid Weather. Close to 90 today-Tomorrow and Wed/Thu-mid to upper 90s, but it will feel 100-105 with dew points near 70. Slow down take it easy. Please keep your pets safe in this heat.https://t.co/2cGQ73y4vv
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Pittsfield Council to See Borrow Request for Water Treatment Upgrades
On the agenda is a request to borrow up to $15 million for upgrades to the city's two water treatment plants, the Cleveland and Ashley Water Treatment Plants. This would fund the final design and permitting for Phases 1-3, phase 1 of interim updates, allowances, and contingency.
The total water treatment plant program is estimated to be $165 million over the next 8 years, with $150 million for long-term construction and $15 million for near-term needs "to keep the plants operational and
advance the program through design and permitting," the project's cover letter explains.
The city does not anticipate water rate increases outside of the established new system based on the Consumer Price Index Factor (CPIF) and the Operational Stability Factor (OSF).
"This borrowing, and subsequent authorizations anticipated over the multi-year WTP program, has
been integrated into the Water Enterprise Fund's rate structure so that future debt service is absorbed
within the Council's established formula," the cover letter reads.
The $15,000,000 borrowing would support:
Final Design & Permitting (Phases 1–3): $9.2M
Phase 1 Construction (incl. bidding & engineering during construction): $2.4M
Land Acquisition/Misc. Engineering/Legal/Contingency: $1.4M
WTP Equipment Replacement/Maintenance to Plant Operations: $2.0M
Starting this year, two finished water storage tanks would be designed and constructed, chemical improvements would be made at the Cleveland WTP, and the East New Lenox Road flow control station would receive a new pump station to allow the Ashley WTP to be offline during the third phase.
On the agenda is a request to borrow up to $15 million for upgrades to the city's two water treatment plants, the Cleveland and Ashley Water Treatment Plants. click for more
The City Council is backing state legislation that updates the funding model for community media, including Pittsfield Community Television, to account for declining cable revenues. click for more