'Hazardous Weather Conditions' Expected This Weekend In Southern CT: NWS

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT — The National Weather Service has issued an "air quality alert" from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday for coastal areas of southern Connecticut.

Temperatures will climb into the upper 80s on Saturday and Sunday, the weather service said. It will be sunny both days, but rain showers move in late Sunday and there may be thunderstorms on Monday.

The Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) said it is expecting several days of very warm weather, which will contribute to "elevated ozone levels" across much of Connecticut. "These levels may approach or exceed Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) levels for parts of Connecticut on June 24 and June 25," state officials said.

“With high temperatures expected this weekend, more people will be taking to the outdoors for all types of recreational activities, including visiting one of Connecticut’s many beautiful beaches or state parks,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “With warmer weather, we also unfortunately see the conditions for ozone production are in place and we are expecting elevated levels across coastal towns extending from Greenwich to Stonington on Saturday and in the western half of the state from Greenwich up to and through the Connecticut River Valley on Sunday.”

“Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and those with respiratory diseases, and even healthy adults who spend prolonged periods outdoors working or exercising should take care to recognize the effects of air pollution and curtail strenuous activity when our air quality is impaired,” said Dykes.

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Health Effects of Air Pollution

When air quality is forecasted to be USG, there is an increased likelihood individuals in sensitive groups will develop respiratory symptoms and may experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, state officials said. Children and people with asthma or other lung disease are most at risk for experiencing these symptoms. Active children and adults, and people with impaired lung function or cardiovascular disease should limit prolonged outdoor exertion, officials said. Peak ozone levels generally occur between 2-8 PM EDT, so make sure you get your activity or exercise in before or after these times to minimize adverse health effects, state officials advised.

Extended forecast details:

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8am. High near 76. Southwest wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Monday Night: Showers likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 79.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 85.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 87.