NH Urges Caution During Extreme Heat; Is There Help Available?

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you know of help for people anywhere in NH, please email me and I will add to this press release. Please check on vulnerable friends. Check for the nearest cooling center in your area by calling your local government or 211. For air conditioner assistance, check with your local welfare office or utility company.This story will be updated all week so check back. email Nancy West at nancywestnewest@gmail.com

In Manchester: At this time, a cooling station at the 39 Beech Street Engagement Center will be open Monday through Tuesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

CONCORD, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) urges residents and visitors to use caution during the dangerous extreme heat expected in most parts of the state through Thursday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Gray, Maine, has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Cheshire, Hillsborough, Merrimack and Sullivan counties for Monday and Tuesday. Belknap, Carroll, Grafton, and Strafford counties, Southern Coos County and interior Rockingham County all are under a Heat Advisory for Monday. NWS expects to release additional Heat Warnings or Advisories for Tuesday.

Much of New Hampshire is expected to have temperatures in the high 90s with temperatures possibly reaching over 100 in some areas in the southern part of the state. Extreme heat killed 199 people in the United States in 2024, according to the NWS.

“It is important to take the proper steps to keep yourself and loved ones safe during extreme heat,” said HSEM Director Robert Buxton. “Stay hydrated and avoid the outdoors if possible. If you must work outside, take breaks frequently. Check in on friends and neighbors; pay close attention to those that may be more sensitive to the heat such as the elderly and children.”

Director Buxton offers these heat safety tips:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible and avoid exposure to the sun.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles.
  • Stay on the lowest floor if there is no air conditioning available. Heat rises.
  • Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  • Check for the nearest cooling center in your area by calling 211.

Visit ReadyNH.gov to learn more about preparing for extreme heat.

FROM MANCHESTER FIRE DEPARTMENT:
The National Weather Service, Grey, ME has issued a Heat Advisory that includes the City of Manchester, effective Monday, June 23rd 2025. An Excessive Heat watch has also been issued, effective through Tuesday June 24th, 2025. Extreme heat and humid conditions are forecasted with heat indices expected to exceed 100 degrees. For the most up to date forecast information visit www.weather.gov/gyx .
The Emergency Operations Center will be in Enhanced Monitoring status for the duration of this extreme weather event.
At this time, a cooling station at the 39 Beech Street Engagement Center will be open Monday through Tuesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Please remember young children and infants, older adults aged 65+, individuals with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, athletes and outdoor workers are especially vulnerable to heat.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, regardless of activity level. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Avoid sugary and alcoholic drinks, which cause you to lose more body fluid. Avoid very cold drinks because they may cause stomach cramps. Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from your body that need to be replaced. Sports drinks may replace the salt and minerals lost.
Wear appropriate clothing such as lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Wear sunscreen. Sunburn prevents your body from cooling down appropriately, and can make you dehydrated. If you must be outside, apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going out. Reapply according to package instructions.

Stay Informed
? Check for updates. Stay tuned to local news for weather alerts and safety tips.
? Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
? Monitor those at high risk.
Stay Cool Indoors
The best way to beat the heat is to stay in air-conditioned areas. If you do not have an air conditioner, consider visiting cooled establishments such as a bowling alley, restaurant, shopping mall or movie theater for a few hours. The city’s two libraries are always open to the public for cooling purposes.
While an electric fan may be useful to increase comfort and to draw cool air into your home at night, it should not be your primary cooling device during a heat wave. When the temperature is in the high 90’s or above, a fan will NOT prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath is an effective way to cool down.
Seniors are encouraged to use facilities such as the William B. Cashin Senior Activity Center located at 151 Douglas Street during normal operating hours.
Stay Cool Outdoors
The City of Manchester has several options for public swimming and splash pads, including: Livingston Pool, Raco-Theodore Pool, Dupont Splash Pad, Sheehan-Basquil Splash Pad and Crystal Lake. For more information on locations and operating hours please visit:
Aquatic Facilities (manchesternh.gov)
For more information on emergency preparedness and heat related safety visit:
www.ready.gov www.weather.gov/safety/heat

www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/index.html www.weather.gov/wrn/summer-safety

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