Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Residents cautioned to stay indoors, stay hydrated during heat wave

FILE PHOTO JOHN/CARDILLO

Town officials are warning residents to take precautions and find ways to get out of the heat as an “extreme” heat wave enters the region and sticks around through most of the weekend.

“It’s really about taking care of yourself and taking care of the people that you’re with,” said Health Director Shaun McAuliffe.

The National Weather Service on Wednesday issued an extreme heat warning that will remain in effect until Saturday night. Heat index values of 98-115 degrees are anticipated, with the worst of the heat and humidity expected Thursday and Friday. According to the warning, “This is a prolonged and dangerous heat wave with little relief at night.”

McAuliffe said the first step residents should take is to find ways to avoid the heat. If possible, stay indoors. In the event residents have to be outdoors, he recommended they stay in the shade. 

The health director also emphasized the importance of staying hydrated with cold beverages — not alcohol or caffeine — to keep body temperatures lower. He said residents should avoid overexerting themselves if possible, and if they are working outside to limit work to either the early morning or evening.

“You need to not be afraid to take a break,” he added.

McAuliffe noted that the Hopkinton Fire Department is taking the lead on leading the town through this heat wave. In a memo shared with the Independent, HFD chief Gary Daugherty stated that there are no plans to open a cooling facility yet. 

If a cooling facility is needed, the department will utilize its training room, “as the building will already be staffed, and doing so would not require additional personnel to be called in,” he stated.

Daugherty also requested that residents call the HFD and speak with dispatchers to request checks on neighbors or vulnerable residents if concerned. The department will respond in a non-emergency manner to assess and provide assistance as needed.

“If we’re educated and taking the necessary precautions, we should be OK,” said McAuliffe.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

The Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday heard a pitch for “farm to field” concession stand offerings at the Fruit Street athletic complex.

The Conservation Commission at its meeting Tuesday night continued a hearing about a dam repair project on Frankland Road in order to review comments on the plan and get more information about proposed tree removals.

This week’s Police Log features one arrest along with reports of a bear on Wood Street, a samurai blade found in a parking lot and a bat trapped in a vehicle.

The latest Arts Residency highlights quilter Jean Bertschmann, who helped develop the Marathon Quilter’s Guild collaborative Go the Distance project celebrating the Boston Marathon this year.

Town meetings tonight include the Open Space Preservation Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

Workers hang the Go the Distance polyptych at the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell earlier this week. The project is a collaboration between the Marathon Quilters Guild and quilters from towns along the Boston Marathon route. It is featured as part of a commemorative quilt exhibit that will be open for viewing through Sept. 26.

PHOTO/COURTESY MARATHON QUILTERS GUILD