It’s a scorcher: Tri-town faces a sizzling start to summer
Just one day after the start of summer, the Tri-town faced the first heat wave of the season alongside the rest of Massachusetts and most of the East Coast.
The heat is still on, with temperatures expected to reach up to 95 degrees on Tuesday, June 24.
Residents flocked to Silvershell Beach in Marion, Pico Beach in Mattapoisett and Mattapoisett Town Beach to cool down, catch a wave and go for a swim over the weekend.
Silvershell Beach lifeguard and Rochester resident Tessa Winslow provided tips on how to stay safe in extreme heat at the beach.
“I’d say drink a lot of water. If someone’s not feeling good, they should ask for help or go into the ocean if they need a break from the sun,” she said.
While some took to the beaches, watersport enthusiasts took advantage of the strong winds by Ned’s Point Lighthouse, wing surfing, using parawings and kayaking across Buzzards Bay.
Amber Romero, owner of Captain Bonney’s Ice Cream in Rochester, said the heat wave brings in lines of customers in late afternoon when the weather is less extreme.
“Most people are at the beach right now, they’re doing stuff with their families or they’re indoors and then as soon as [it hits] 3 or 4, we start getting really busy,” she said.
To cool down from the extreme weather, Romero suggests drinking their signature frappes.
“We are really known for our frappes. They’re not going to melt so you’re safe from that,” she said, recommending the Reese’s frappe and the caramel macchiato frappe.
She added, “We’re just hoping all of our customers stay safe and cool and they can stop by here when the weather starts getting a little better.”
Mass.gov issued an Unhealthy Heat Alert from Sunday, June 22 to Wednesday, June 25 and Governor Maura Healey urged residents to take precautions to stay safe.
“Hot weather can sneak up on us, especially after a cool and rainy spring, but planning ahead is essential," Healey said. "We encourage people to cool off at DCR’s waterfronts, beaches and splash decks, or check out the cooling centers near where you live.”
