Hitting the beach might be on the itinerary for some as extreme, dangerous heat comes to Massachusetts for the weekend and into Monday. But before taking the plunge, be cautious of the dangers.
An extreme heat watch has been declared in the state from Sunday until Tuesday as “dangerously hot” temperatures could blow past 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
These conditions are expected to hit much of Southern New England except for the Berkshires and the Cape and Islands.
Saturday is expected to be the final day of “dry and seasonably warm temperatures” with daytime highs in the 80s. By Sunday, highs will reach the 90s, with humidity making it feel hotter and possibly closer to the 100s.
The highest temperatures are to come during the weekday. Boston’s hottest temperature will be on Tuesday, with a high near 98 degrees, according to AccuWeather. Worcester could reach its hottest on Monday, with a high of 97 degrees. In Springfield, highs are expected to be 98 on Monday and 99 on Tuesday.
With that being said, warm air does not mean warm water in lakes, streams or oceans, the National Weather Service warns. In fact, although the water temperatures may not sound too cold, they can actually “be deadly.”
When the body hits cold water, it can trigger “cold shock” which causes “dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure,” the agency explains. A sudden gasp and rapid breathing alone can create a “greater risk of drowning, even for confident swimmers in calm waters.” In rougher open waters, the danger increases.
“Plunging into cold water of any temperature becomes dangerous if you aren’t prepared for what the sudden exposure can do to your body and brain,” the National Weather Service explains. “If you are planning to be on or near the water, arrive knowing the conditions and how to protect yourself.”
Cold shock and hypothermia can impact a person’s ability to think and act. Therefore the agency encourages the use of lifejackets and floatation devices to help create extra time for help to arrive or for the person to get out of danger.
“Even the most experienced cold water surfers, swimmers or boaters know to prepare for the conditions,” the National Weather Service said.
