Cambridge Declares Heat Advisory Starting Monday, July 13

Based on forecasts from the National Weather Service, the City of Cambridge is declaring a Heat Advisory starting Monday, July 13, 2026. The City is anticipating a Heat Emergency Tuesday and Wednesday based on current forecasts.

Hot weather and extreme heat can cause serious illness and can even be life-threatening. Heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke and dehydration, can occur. There is an increased risk for heat-related illness in high-risk populations including older adults and young children, people with chronic medical conditions, unhoused individuals, and those who work outside.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, stay hydrated and, whenever possible, spend time in air-conditioned places such as community spaces, public libraries, malls and movie theaters.

Cambridge Public Branch libraries will welcome people seeking to cool off during regular hours and will have water bubblers available. Branch hours and locations can be found on the City’s website and noted below:

Monday:

Main Library 9am-9pm
Boudreau 10am-8pm
Central Square 10am-6pm
Collins 10am-6pm
O’Connell 10am-6pm
O’Neill 10am-8pm
Valente 10am-8pm

Tuesday:

Main Library 9am-9pm
Boudreau 10am-8pm
Central Square 10am-9pm
Collins 10am-8pm
O’Connell 10am-8pm
O’Neill 10am-8pm
Valente 10am-8pm

Wednesday:

Main Library 9am-9pm
Boudreau 10am-8pm
Central Square 10am-9pm
Collins 10am-8pm
O’Connell 10am-8pm
O’Neill 10am-8pm
Valente 10am-8pm

The Foundry, located at 101 Rogers Street in East Cambridge, will also be open to any community members in need during this extreme heat:

Monday:
9am-6pm

Tuesday:
10am-8pm

Wednesday
2pm-8pm

Residents are also encouraged to visit pools and parks with water features.

Outreach teams will be utilized to support the unhoused community during extreme heat. If you are concerned about a person who is unhoused, please call First Step at (617) 592-6895 or call 911 if the person is experiencing an emergency.

Local shelters are also planning to offer extended daytime drop-in hours.

High temperatures and humidity in the summer can result in peak demand on New England’s electricity supply. We can all take steps to reduce the energy use by following the below tips.

• Raising air conditioning temperatures by a few degrees in the afternoon.
• Turning off lights anywhere they are not critical and dim others if possible.
• Turning off air conditioning and fans in unoccupied areas.
• Turning off lights and window air conditioners at the end of the day.
• Closing window shades to keep out the sun’s heat.
• Unplugging any phone/laptop and other device chargers from outlets to reduce the plug load.
• If you drive an EV, please charge it overnight or after peak hours (after 8 p.m.) rather than during the afternoon

Visit cambridgema.gov/heat for detailed information about how to stay safe in the heat.