This isn’t breaking news, but it is a hot story.
Like most of the state, Plymouth is in the middle of a brutal stretch of weather that started Sunday and will peak Tuesday with temperatures nearing 100 degrees, and a heat index value of 104, according to the National Weather Service. Even late at night, the temperature is not expected to drop below 73.
Humidity levels are making it feel worse, but they’re technically not in the oppressive category.
The region will remain under an extreme heat warning until 8 p.m. Tuesday. Scattered showers are possible on Wednesday, with a high temperature of about 86.
The weather service warning includes the standard cautions: “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”
The town has issued an “emergency alert” that included a list of “cooling stations” where people without access to air conditioning can go to seek temporary refuge. They include:
The Center for Active Living: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 4p.m.
The main library on South Street: Mon.-. Wed., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Manomet library branch: Mon. and Wed., 9a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Cedarville Community Room: Mon.-Wed., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The town posting also offered extreme heat safety tips from the American Red Cross.
In the downtown area on Monday afternoon, it looked like most people were sticking to indoors, with less activity than usual on the streets. Meantime, public beaches, from Nelson Park to White Horse were busy for a weekday. But with only a slight breeze in the air, only the still-chilly water offered any real relief.
After Wednesday, temperatures will be much cooler, with highs in the 70s, with a higher probability of rain right into the weekend. Naturally.
Mark Pothier can be reached at mark@plymouthindependent.org.