UPDATED: Coming just two weeks after the heat wave that hit over the Fourth of July, Arlington prepared for the expected high temperatures and dealt with overcast, hazy skies because of wild fires in Minnesota and southern Canada. Although Tuesday was not as hot as predicted, the temperatures still creeped near 90. The heat is supposed to break on Thursday.
Our weather experts tell us that a “heat wave” is when the temperature tops 90 degrees for at least two days. The state issued an unhealthy heat advisory for July 13 to July 16, with forecasted temperatures exceeding 90 degrees. The National Weather Service has declared a heat advisory from 11 a.m. on July 14 until 8 p.m. on July 15, according to the federal agency.
A planned concert at Robbins Farm for July 14 was canceled because of the heat.
On July 13, the town of Arlington issued an advisory reminding residents to “avoid overexertion, drink plenty of water, and check in on family and neighbors. During regular business hours, residents may also cool off at the Arlington Reservoir, North Union Spray Park, a local coffee shop or theater, or the Fox or Robbins library. Residents 60 years and older can visit the Community Center at 27 Maple St. to attend Council on Aging programming. As part of the Cool and Connected program, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 74 Pleasant Ave. will welcome visitors Tuesdays and Fridays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. View additional safety tips at ArlingtonMA.gov/Health View additional safety tips at ArlingtonMA.gov/Health.“
There is a cooling center at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Tuesday and Friday afternoons through August.
The town’s announcements also included the reminder that residents should “also try to reduce electricity usage between 3 p.m. and sunset to lower grid costs and pollution. Learn how to reduce your energy use, costs, and emissions at ArlingtonMA.gov/Electrify. “
And, it wouldn’t be a summer announcement from the town if it did remind us to water the new street trees (and give the older, more established trees a drink.) From the town: “Prolonged hot weather can stress trees, especially trees in their first few years of growth. Please make sure new trees on your street have enough water by filling the green bags at the tree base. If there is no green bag apply a slow watering method from a hose to the tree. With your help they can provide decades of shade. DPW and the Arlington Tree Committee thank you in advance for helping these young trees to maturity. View a flyer on how to do this at arlingtonma.gov/trees.”
This news item was published July 13, 2026, and was updated.
