The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for all of southern Massachusetts beginning Friday afternoon.  Temperatures in Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester are expected to spike above 90 degrees on Friday and Saturday.

The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity can become dangerous. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is advising people to remain cautious of the heat and has provided the following tips to keep cool and safe:

• Avoid strenuous activity.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing; protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty, to stay hydrated.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages, which can dehydrate your body.
• Stay indoors as much as possible, avoid too much sunshine, and use sunscreen with a high SPF rating.
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.

How you can beat the heat:

Mattapoisett has opened the Council on Aging and invites any and all seniors without air conditioning to come enjoy a respite from the heat.  Also, the Seaside Shuttle between Mattapoisett and Fairhaven will be free today and tomorrow and is air conditioned.

The Town of Marion will be keeping lifeguards posted at Silvershell beach until 7:00 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. today, tomorrow and Saturday.

The senior center in Rochester will be open at 6:30 a.m. and will close at 4:30 a.m. Town Administrator Richard LaCamera said that any senior who experiences difficulty with the heat outside of those hours may call police dispatch at (508) 763-5112 and they will be brought to the senior center.

We will update as more information becomes available on how the towns are responding to the heat watch.