Summer Greets North Andover With Heat

Summer is officially here, and it seems Mother Nature is taking notice.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for North Andover, predicting temperatures near 100 degrees for the next couple days.

Expect fog Wednesday morning -- and drive carefully as visibility will be low in areas around wetlands such as Route 125 near Haverhill -- to dissipate as temperatures soar to 95 degrees and higher by the afternoon.

On Thursday, temperatures are expected to be in the high-90s again, with the sun beating down. And we're expecting another hot day on Friday, with temperatures reaching the 90s again.

The nights are expected to be warm as well, in the 70s. There may be showers Thursday night.

With the heat index, temperatures will be about 103 degrees at times. Combined with the expected dewpoint in the 90 percent range, that can be hazardous.

North Andover Health Department Director Susan Sawyer cautions residents to be careful in the heat.

"Heat can effect anyone," Sawyers said. "And we are always concerned about the ill and the elderly."

Sawyer offers the following tips:

• Avoid excessive activity.
• Stay in an air conditioned place.
• Limit your outside activities.
• Wear light-weight, light-colored clothing.
• Drink plenty of water.

If you don't have air conditioning, head to the Stevens Memorial Library during the day. Also, the Senior Center has air conditioning. Extreme heat is especially dangerous to seniors.

If you do go outdoors, don't overdo it. Stevens Pond opens today for the season, so that could be an option for you.

Beware of heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke include having skin that is red and hot to the touch as well as a rapid, weak pulse. If you experience symptoms, call 911 immediately.

"Heat stroke can definitely be life-threatening," Sawyer said.