Hazardous Weather Outlook, Advisory Issued As CT Officials Take Action

CONNECTICUT — Welcome to the state's first prolonged heat wave of this summer as temperatures will soar above 90 degrees through at least Sunday and it may feel as hot as 100 degrees.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the entire state, which begins at noon and continues through 8 p.m. Wednesday.

"Heat index values ranging from the mid 90s to around 100 degrees on Wednesday," the weather service wrote for southern Connecticut. "Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur...Heat index values around 100 degrees are anticipated on Thursday."

And in northern Connecticut, the weather service wrote, "Heat index values up to 99 expected."

What constitutes a heat advisory?

"A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time," the weather service said.

State takes action

Lamont said he ordered Connecticut’s extreme hot weather protocol to be activated beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday and remaining in effect through 8 p.m. on Sunday.

"The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions," the order states. "...Anyone in need of a cooling center should call 2-1-1 or look online at 211ct.org to find their nearest location."

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State officials said, "although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:"

• Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
• People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
• People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
• People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
• People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Some prevention tips offered by state officials to stay safe in extreme heat include:

• Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
• Find an air-conditioned shelter. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
• Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.

Additional tips offered by state officials

Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat. Because bodies lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common while experiencing very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:

• Drink more water than usual.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Remind others to drink enough water.

Here are the extended forecast details for southern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 96. West wind 6 to 10 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 100. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the morning.

Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. South wind 6 to 11 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 93.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 93.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Here are the extended forecast details for northern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. West wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 100. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 95. South wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 95. West wind 5 to 8 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 92. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.