BOSTON — Massachusetts environmental officials on Sunday are warning residents about potentially unhealthy air quality, as the heat wave peaks with apparent temperatures possibly surging into the 100s across the Boston area.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has issued an “Air Quality Advisory” across eastern and southeastern counties of the Bay State.
The air quality alert is in effect until 11 p.m. Sunday for eastern areas of Essex County, southern Bristol and Plymouth counties, and Barnstable and Dukes counties.
The alert is “due to an expected increase in ozone levels,” MassDEP said in a statement.
“Air in these areas is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups,” the environmental agency added. “Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, such as asthma, older adults, children, teenagers, and people who are active outdoors. People with either lung disease or heart disease are at greater risk from exposure to ozone.”
MassDEP is urging people in sensitive groups to “reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, take more breaks, do less intense activities, follow asthma action plans, and keep quick relief medicine handy.”
“Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath,” MassDEP added.
Sunday is another scorcher of a day across the region.
“The heat peaks today with near record high temperatures of 95 to 100°F,” the National Weather Service’s Boston office tweeted. “Factoring in the humidity, heat index values or apparent temperatures of 100 to 104°F are likely. Remember to stay cool & hydrated especially if you are heading outdoors!”
Meanwhile, there’s a moderate risk for rip currents on southern-facing beaches on Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Block Island.
NWS Boston tweeted, “Also, it is recommended when visiting these beaches to check in with lifeguards on the status of rip currents at the specific location.”
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