BOSTON -- The intense heat prompted the city of Boston Tuesday to issue a heat alert, extending hours at cooling centers and pools.

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NewsCenter 5's Kelley Tuthill reported that many people chose to beat the heat at the beach, but despite the cool water, it was a challenge to find much relief.

City officials opened air-conditioned cooling centers for those looking to escape the heat. Some city pools will also be open until 9 p.m.

Boston Mayor Tom Menino urged people to check on elderly neighbors.

"Please check on their doors and ask if they need any help during the extreme heat that we will have over the next several days," Menino said.

Doctors advised camp counselors and parents to mind the heat and avoid strenuous activities for children. Parents may also want to avoid taking infants out into the heat.

Elderly residents should also take precautions to keep cool and hydrated because heat stroke can sometimes be difficult to predict.

"It's can very serious. It can mild symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps or it can lead to death. People can get confused, they can have heat stroke," Dr. Tracy Wimbush of Massachusetts General Hospital said.