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By Joseph A. Curtatone

Taking a closer look at notable city data – and interesting numbers. 

90 degrees or more: When the temperature stays above 90s degrees for a few days that’s considered extreme heat. Extreme heat isn’t just an uncomfortable inconvenience. Sustained high temperatures can be a health risk, especially to children, seniors, people with certain medical conditions, and those who work outside. It’s easier to become dehydrated in extreme heat and it’s important to watch out for the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Visit www.cdc.gov to learn more about staying safe in extreme heat. 

Summer 2018: If you feel like it’s getting hotter each summer, you’re not alone. Based on historic temperature data, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found that 2018 was the hottest summer on record in the Boston area. Several other recent years are also among the top ten. We are seeing and feeling the effects of climate change right now, and they will only get worse if we ignore them.

26 days of extreme heat: A new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists found that by 2100, our area could see 26 day per year that feel like 100 degrees or higher. While 2100 feels a long way off, we’re likely to see more extreme heat sooner. By 2030 the number of days above 90 degrees could double and by 2070 most summer days could be above 90 degrees. The good news is that these projects are based on a continued high greenhouse gas emissions scenario. We may not be able to roll back the damage already done, but by shrinking our carbon footprint we can keep extreme heat in check.

16% reduction: Two thirds of Somerville’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from building energy use – that includes heating, cooling, and electricity. Somerville is a city of old buildings and often older construction doesn’t help with energy efficiency. That’s an issue we’ve had to face in working to make City buildings more energy efficient. Older buildings are challenging, but from 2014 to 2018 we’ve been able to reduce energy use in City buildings by 16%. If you’re interested in learning about ways you can make your home more energy efficient, visit www.somervillema.gov/housing.

19 parks: If you’re looking to cool down this summer, consider stopping by one of our 19 parks that has a water feature. You can find a full list of Somerville’s parks and their amenities at www.somervillema.gov/parks. The City also has the Kennedy Pool and Dilboy Pool for anyone who’d like to cool off with a swim (the pool at Foss Park is owned by the state). Pool hours and schedules are available at www.somervillerec.com. For even more ways to keep cool this summer, visit www.somervillema.gov when high temperatures are in the forecast. In extreme heat we sometimes offer extended hours at the pools and air conditioned public buildings like the library.

Data-based decision making is at the core of how the City of Somerville develops policy and sets priorities. Every day we check the latest 311 stats, and throughout the week we meet for in-depth review of departmental data and city trends. The Data Download column shares some of the data we’ve been reviewing recently, as well as interesting updates. To see more Somerville Data, visit the online Somerville Data Farm at www.somervillema.gov/datafarm.