Cooling Centers Open North of Boston as Temperatures Climb

With another round of summer heat settling over eastern Massachusetts this week, cities and towns north of Boston — including Peabody and Salem — are opening air-conditioned cooling centers to give residents a break from the swelter. A heat advisory is in effect for the region, and public health officials are urging residents, especially older adults, young children, and anyone without reliable air conditioning, to take the heat seriously.

Why Cooling Centers Matter

According to guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health, heat-related illness in Massachusetts becomes significantly more common once temperatures climb past 90 degrees. Community cooling centers — typically set up in libraries, senior centers, and town halls — offer a free, air-conditioned place for residents to escape the heat during the hottest parts of the day. The state recommends that these spaces be accessible to the public, offer seating and chilled drinking water, and be clearly advertised throughout the community so vulnerable residents know where to turn.

The state also encourages municipalities to check in on elderly and at-risk neighbors during heat events, coordinate transportation for those who need help getting to a cooling site, and identify vulnerable neighborhoods in advance using the Department of Public Health's climate vulnerability mapping tools.

Peabody: Senior Center and Libraries Open Their Doors

In Peabody, city officials have opened cooling resources for residents without air conditioning at home. The Torigian Senior Center, located at 79 Central Street, is serving as a cooling site during its regular business hours. All three branches of the Peabody Institute Library — the Main, West, and South branches — are also open as air-conditioned cooling locations. Residents are encouraged to contact their local library branch directly to confirm hours before heading out.

The Peabody Public Health Department is reminding residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat hours, check on elderly neighbors, and keep pets indoors and cool.

Salem: Community Life Center and Library Offer Relief

Just down the road in Salem, the city has activated its own cooling network. The Mayor Jean Levesque Community Life Center, at 401 Bridge Street, is open to all residents seeking an air-conditioned place to cool down, and the Salem Public Library, at 370 Essex Street, is also serving as a cooling site during its operating hours. The city has noted that hours may be extended into the evening during periods of especially high heat, so residents should check the City of Salem's website for the latest schedule before visiting.

Salem residents also have a few extra ways to beat the heat this summer: the city's outdoor pool at Forest River Park is open for swimming, and the Salem Fire Department periodically holds "soak the kids" events at parks around the city, spraying down local playgrounds to give children a way to cool off outdoors.

Staying Safe in the Heat

Whether you're in Peabody, Salem, or elsewhere on the North Shore, state health officials offer the same core advice during periods of extreme heat:

• Stay hydrated — drink plenty of cool water throughout the day and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activity, especially between late morning and early evening when temperatures peak.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked vehicle, even briefly.
• Check in on elderly relatives, neighbors, and anyone who lives alone or lacks air conditioning.
• Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear.

Residents who are unsure whether a nearby cooling center is open are encouraged to call ahead, as hours can shift based on the severity and duration of a given heat event. Both Peabody and Salem post updates through their city websites and social media channels, and residents can sign up for local emergency alert systems to receive heat advisories directly.

For more information on cooling centers and hot-weather safety across Massachusetts, visit Mass.gov's Cooling Centers Guidance or contact your city or town's public health department.

This article is for general informational purposes. Cooling center hours and locations are subject to change based on weather conditions — always confirm directly with your local city or town before visiting.