Heat Resources

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Southern Berkshire County Heat Safety Resources

Current Unhealthy Heat Alert Status

There is an unhealthy heat Forecast for 6/12/2026 – 6/14/2026.

Massachusetts Heat Forecast & Alerts

The Massachusetts Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health provides:

Massachusetts Unhealthy Heat Forecast | Mass.gov

  • Unhealthy Heat Forecast thresholds:
    • Yellow: 78–84°F – some risk for vulnerable groups.
    • Orange: 85°F+ for 1–2 days – increased risk for all.
    • Red: 85°F+ for 3+ days – UNHEALTHY HEAT ALERT – high risk for all Mass.gov.
  • Extreme Heat Resource Guide with prevention, treatment, and planning tools Mass.gov.

Why the Heat is Dangerous

The U.S. Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health warns that the first heatwave of the season carries the highest risk because people haven’t yet acclimated to the heat. Prolonged exposure can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and worsen chronic conditions. Vulnerable groups include older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, outdoor workers, and people with chronic illnesses.

Heat Safety Tips

  • Stay hydrated with water, not sugary or alcoholic drinks.
  • Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours (10 a.m.–6 p.m.).
  • Seek cooler environments — use air conditioning or cooling centers.
  • Check on vulnerable neighbors who may not have air conditioning, including older adults (especially over 60), children under 5, pregnant people, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and those without air conditioning.
  • Never leave children, pets, or disabled persons in a vehicle — cars can heat up to lethal temperatures in minutes National Weather Service.

Southern Berkshire County Cooling Centers

During heat advisories or alerts, local organizations open as cooling centers:

Egremont

  • Egremont Town Hall: 171 Egremont Plain Rd, Egremont. 413 528-0182.  Hours: M- F 7am – 3pm.  Closed Saturday and Sunday.  Call to confirm hours.

Great Barrington

Lee

Lenox

  • Lenox Library: 18 Main Street, Lenox.  (413) 637-0197  https://lenoxlib.org  Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 10am – 7pm, Fri & Sat 10am – 5pm.  Closed Sunday.  Call to confirm hours.

Monterey

Mount Washington

New Marlborough

Otis

 Sheffield

Stockbridge 

Tyringham

West Stockbridge