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Boston hit a high of 95 degrees Wednesday afternoon, short of the record of 98. Worcester topped out at 92 degrees, also short of a record.

The increased draw on the power system resulted in scattered outages in Allston, Dorchester and Westborough on Wednesday afternoon.

Weather Service spokesman Bill Simpson said the heat is coming with high levels of humidity, making for a summer blast that will likely hit Massachusetts residents hard.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency issued a list of precautions residents should take to avoid heat exhaustion and other health issues. Agency spokesman Scott MacLeod said MEMA encourages people to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity. The agency will be on-hand to lend cities and towns help and resources, if needed.

State and local officials also urged residents to stay indoors, in shaded areas, local community "cooling centers" or air-conditioned public buildings.

"In these conditions, we must remember to stay cool and hydrated and keep an eye on our vulnerable neighbors," Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said in a statement.

In Boston, water spray features and air-conditioned community centers will be in operation throughout the day, offering residents opportunities to stay cool. Also, state Department of Conservation and Recreation-run beaches will be staffed with lifeguards, although deep water pools will remain closed until Saturday because of chemical cycles, spokesman S.J. Port said.

Nazzaro Recreation Center council member, Norman Herr said many people will understandably be disappointed with the closures.

“Common sense tells you, we have a week to get things ready. You’re going to have a lot of people making phone calls, a lot of people looking to dip in the pool and they’re going to be disappointed,” Herr said.

Other cities with cooling centers open Wednesday and Thursday include Worcester and Somerville.

Utility companies NSTAR and Western Massachusetts Electric Company said they also were preparing for an increase in electricity use and advising customers to be as energy efficient as possible.

In addition to the high heat and humidity, Environmental Protection Agency officials warned the south coast of the state, including Cape Cod and the Islands, could be affected by poor air quality.

Agency officials said Tuesday that exposure to high levels of polluted air can lead to breathing problems and make individuals more susceptible to respiratory infection. They advised residents to limit strenuous outdoor activities and reduce smog-forming emissions by carpooling.