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Heat Advisory Still In Place, Community Cooling Stations Available

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Remember a few months ago when we all dreamed about warm summer weather?
 
Well, those days are here. They are really here.
 
The US National Weather Service has declared a heat advisory in North Adams until 8 pm this evening. Temperatures are anticipated to stay in the 90s and upper 80s throughout the afternoon and evening, according to Accuweather.
 
There will be a similar temperature range in South County however in Pittsfield, temperatures aren't expected to reach the 80s.
 
Still, a heat advisory remains in place throughout the county. This means high temperatures and high humidity that could cause heat illness so mind your time outdoors.
 
Per the Alert: 
 
"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
 
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1."
 
It is also important to note that pets should not be left outside and children or pets should never be left in closed vehicles. Also, make sure you and your pets are drinking plenty of water.
 
Also, be a good neighbor: Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, those who may need additional assistance, and those who may not have air conditioning.
 
Communities have set up cooling centers.
 
In Pittsfield:
  • Christian Center, 193 Robbins Ave., open through 7 p.m. today and 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
  • Salvation Army, 298 West St., open through 1 p.m. today and 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
  • Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, 330 North St., open through 4 p.m. today and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday.
In Adams:
  • Adams Visitors Center: 9:00am-4:00pm (water and staff) (Extended hours to TBD per EMD Kleiner)
In North Adams:
  • North Adams Public Library 10am-5pm has water on site
  • North Adams Spitzer Center (8-4, will stay open later if needed)~ two rooms with AC
 
In Williamstown:
  • Williamstown Police Department Training Room 
 
With the heat and high humidity, thunderstorms can be expected in the late afternoon in North and Central County.
 
It should be more of the same for the rest of the week, however, Accuweather predicts things wont feel as hot.
 
Expect temperatures in the high 80s, low 90s Wednesday with possible strong afternoon thunderstorms that could cause  lash flooding and damaging winds.
 
And we should all get a break Thursday. Accuweather predicate temperatures will drop back down into the 70s on Thursday and into the high 60s on Friday. More thunderstorms can be expected.
 
Similar temperatures can be expected throughout the county.
 
The weekend actually looks fairly nice. According to Accuweather North Adams is in store for sun and a very manageable high of 71 degrees on Saturday and 73 degrees on Sunday.   
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


Tags: heat,   weather,   

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Community Hero: Noelle Howland

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Noelle Howland is committed to keeping alive the late Pittsfield ACO Eleanor Sonsini's mission of helping animals ... albeit farther north in North Adams.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — No Paws Left Behind Executive Director Noelle Howland has been selected as the November Community Hero of the Month. 
 
The Community Hero of the Month series honors individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact in their community. The series sponsor, Haddad Auto, has extended this initiative for one more month.
 
Howland breathed new life into the mission of the former Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter, which closed in August 2023. 
 
The shelter in Pittsfield operated under the mission established by Eleanor Sonsini, a local animal rights activist and longtime animal control officer in Pittsfield, to be a no-kill shelter committed to finding surrendered and abandoned pets new forever homes. 
 
Howland's love for animals, dedication to their well-being, and expertise in animal behavior and training and shelter management brought this mission to new heights at No Paws Left Behind, a new shelter for dogs located at 69 Hodges Cross Road. 
 
"I want people to understand that I know it's hard to surrender. So, my biggest thing is [making sure] people know that, of course, we're not judging you. We're here to help you," Howland said. 
 
When Sonsini announced its closing, Howland, who was the shelter's manager, worked to save it, launching fundraising initiatives. However, the previous board decided to close the shelter down and agreed to let Howland open her own shelter using their mission. 
 
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