News

Air Quality Alert
Effective: Now through 12:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026
Location: Statewide

Due to smoke from Canadian wildfires impacting Massachusetts, MassDEP has issued a statewide Air Quality Alert. Elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are expected to result in unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.

Sensitive groups include:

• People with heart or lung disease (including asthma)
• Older adults
• Children and teenagers
• People who are active outdoors

Individuals in these groups should:

• Reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor activity.
• Take more frequent breaks and choose less strenuous activities.
• Follow asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medication readily available.
• Monitor for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting MassAir Online, where you can view current air quality conditions, forecasts, and real-time monitoring data.

Please take appropriate precautions and check on family members, neighbors, and others who may be more vulnerable to poor air.

On 7/14 & 7/15, weather permitting, the Town’s paving contractor will continue work on Liberty, Mechanic, Judkins Court, Railroad Ave & Locust Street.

No Parking will be permitted on these streets while work is underway. Motorists should expect temporary road closures, detours, and limited access throughout the workday. Local traffic will be accommodated whenever it is safe to do so.

As Massachusetts experiences extreme heat this week, the Town of Merrimac encourages residents to take precautions to stay safe.

Staying properly hydrated is one of the most important ways to prevent heat-related illness. Avoid sugary drinks, caffeine and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration. Instead, drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you are sweating heavily, consider replenishing electrolytes with a sports drink.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat-related illness, which can become life-threatening if left untreated. Check in on family members, friends and neighbors, especially older adults, young children and those with chronic medical conditions.

If someone experiences symptoms such as confusion, slurred speech, a very high body temperature, loss of consciousness, hot and dry skin, or excessive sweating, call 911 immediately and stay with them until help arrives.

During periods of extreme heat, fans alone may not be enough to prevent heat-related illness. Take cool showers or baths when possible and spend time in an air-conditioned location. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider visiting a cooling center, public library, shopping mall or another air-conditioned public building. 

Stay indoors when possible, and limit exercise and outdoor activities to the mornings and evenings. If you must be outside, be sure to hydrate, rest often in the shade, use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat. 

For more ways to stay safe during the heat wave, visit the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency’s Extreme Heat Safety Tips website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/extreme-heat-safety-tips

The Merrimac Public Library is in the process of developing a strategic plan, aimed at providing the very best service to our community. A critical component of the process is gathering information and ideas from the community members to establish priorities and create goals for the library. The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete and they are due by August 3, 2026. Thank you for your participation. 

Link to survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW-Frs691rIk0OuvXacLt2wQi7aNxMAsPd8OOMI4MyB_nwBw/viewform?pli=1