Forecast: Hot, Humid Spell Hitting New England

BOSTON - New England is bracing for a heat spell that could last through the July 4 holiday and beyond.
 
The National Weather Service says heat and humidity will be building across the region starting on Friday and temperatures could top 90 degrees for several days in much of the region.
 
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is urging residents to avoid long periods of exposure to the heat and protect against sun damage.
 
Providence officials are opening a dozen water parks in the city Friday, a few days ahead of schedule. Public pools will open Monday.
 
Several Connecticut towns have opened cooling centers at public libraries and other municipal buildings.
 
Coastal communities, meanwhile, are bracing for huge crowds. Onshore sea breezes are expected to keep things a little cooler at the beach.