Mayor Jon Mitchell Tells New Bedford Residents to ‘Cool Down’

What used to be the dog days of August are now the dog days of summer. Why? Because we realized it gets hot in July, too.

Not only does it get hot, but it gets humid, too. Any good New Englander worth his salt knows that it's not the heat, it's the humidity.

You may have noticed that it has been a mighty hot and humid this summer thus far.

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So here we go again, with more heat and humidity this week.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell noted on his Facebook page that Sunday, July 14, 2024 was a "perfect day" at East Beach. Mitchell posted, "For most of the coming week, you just might need the beach, as temps are going to climb to about 90."

Let me remind the mayor that dew points have been above 70 degrees, meaning the humidity is unbearable for some.

Mitchell continued, "If not the beach, I remind everyone that you can cool down at our libraries and the water features in our parks." Just stay out of the duck ponds, please.

On a more serious note, Mitchell asks that you "Check in on our seniors and avoid leaving pets in cars, even for a few minutes."

Mitchell might not like me reminding you of this, but the Dartmouth Mall has air conditioning and provides an opportunity to get a few steps in while staying cool.

In addition, all four SouthCoast YMCA locations in New Bedford, Fall River, Wareham and Swansea are offering up their Welcome Centers as cooling centers during the heatwave, from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. You just need to check in at the Welcome Center and let them know you're there to cool down.

Just remember, this too shall pass and before you know it, everyone will be complaining about the cold, so just grin and bear it for now.