Excessive Heat Warning, Air Quality Alert: Conditions 'Unhealthy'

With heavy humidity, and temperatures pumping closer to the 100 degrees mark, the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the area effective noon to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 19. 

The hottest conditions occur around midday and into the evening, and NWS warns that "those outdoors for prolonged periods will be more at risk for heat-related illnesses."

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection also issued an "air quality action day," which means that the ground level ozone concentrations might "approach or exceed unhealthy standards." This alert is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday. 

Stay out of the sun, turn on the AC, drink plenty of water, and check on friends, relatives and neighbors. And a reminder: never leave your pet sitting in a parked car when it is hot out. This is extremely dangerous for your pet. 

Where to stay cool in Northborough: 

The Northborough Senior Center is open until 2 p.m. on Friday, and the AC is on, says director Kelly Burke. "We had more than 70 people come for dinner Tuesday evening because it was too hot to cook," said Burke. 

Jean Langley, director of the Northborough Free Library, said people have been coming in to the library all week in an effort to cool off (and read, maybe?). The library, which also has AC, is open until 5 p.m. on Friday. 

And the Splash Pad is open at Assabet Park. Hours for the Splash Pad are noon to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

Both Lalajava Coffeehouse and Yowza! Frozen Yogurt Paradise have blasting AC, and Lala's got WiFi to boot. 

Lalajava is offering discounts on the large Iced Tropical Tiki Teas. For every degree on the outdoor thermometer, the store is deducting a penny off the cost. And Friday, it's looking like it'll be at least 90 cents off. This deal continues "through the heat wave," says owner Scott Boyers. 

Lalajava has also expanded its smoothie menu, adding six new flavors. 

Post your suggestions and tips on how and where to stay cool in the comments section below.