Cooling centers start to open as extreme heat looms
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - With Mother Nature dialing up the heat this week and extreme temperatures expected in the coming days, local communities are opening up cooling centers to keep everyone safe.
Temperatures are expected to reach upwards of 95-100° Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and officials are asking the public to ‘look out for your vulnerable neighbors and stay safe.’
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Springfield:
| Cooling Center Site | Address | Dates | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Orchard Community Center at Myrtle Street Park | 117 Main St., Springfield, MA 01151 | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Thursday, July 2, 2026 Friday, July 3, 2026 Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| South End Community Center | 99 Marble St., Springfield, MA 01105 | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Thursday, July 2, 2026 Friday, July 3, 2026 Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center | 1476 Roosevelt Ave, Springfield, MA 01109 | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Thursday, July 2, 2026 Friday, July 3, 2026 Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Senior Center in the North End at Kenefick Park | 310 Plainfield St., Springfield, MA 01107 | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Thursday, July 2, 2026 Friday, July 3, 2026 Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Mason Square Library Community Room | 765 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109 | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Hungry Hill Senior Center | 773 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA 01104 | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Thursday, July 2, 2026 Friday, July 3, 2026 Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Clodo Concepcion (Greenleaf) Community Center | 1187 ½ Parker St., Springfield, MA 01129 | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Thursday, July 2, 2026 Friday, July 3, 2026 Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Forest Park Library | 380 Belmont Avenue Springfield, MA 01108 | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Springfield Elks Lodge #61 | 440 Tiffany St, Springfield, MA 01108 | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Thursday, July 2, 2026 Friday, July 3, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
The centers listed below opened Monday and will remain open through Thursday.
Agawam Senior Center located at 954 Main St.
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, July 3, 2026: Closed for the holiday (weekend)
Agawam Public Library located at 750 Cooper St.
- Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Friday, July 3, 2026: Closed for the holiday (weekend)
Additionally, the Agawam Spray Park at School Street Park will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Perry Lane Pool is open Monday - Friday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.
Over in Easthampton the city will be opening a cooling area at the Easthampton Public Safety Complex located at 32 Payson Avenue.
The cooling area will be available to the public from Wednesday through Sunday, 24 hours. Space is available inside the main lobby.
In the City of Holyoke there will be a number of places you can go to to beat the heat.
From splash pads to air-conditioned public buildings, including the Holyoke Senior Center and the Holyoke Public Library, to the Holyoke Mall and the Holyoke War Memorial Auditorium which will be open during peak heat hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ... city officials are encouraging folks to stay cool.
Those in Hadley can go to the Hampshire Mall during normal business hours and those in Northampton can visit the police station every day including the holiday.
Here’s here to find a splashpad:
- Springdale Park
- Pulaski Park
- Community Field
- Pina Park
- Carlos Vega Park
- Heritage State Park
Additionally, we’re told the splash pad at Roland Pouliot Pool is open, but the swimming pool itself is not.
“The pool will open within the next two weeks but not in time for this week’s heatwave,” explained Mayor Garcia’s Office.
Western Mass News will update this story as more Cooling Centers are announced.
Copyright 2026 Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.
