WESTPORT, CT — Westport Emergency Management is advising residents to take precautions as a heat wave, the threat of severe thunderstorms and an air quality alert affect the area through Sunday.
Gov. Ned Lamont has activated Connecticut's Extreme Hot Weather Protocol, effective from 10 a.m. Thursday through 6 p.m. Sunday.
Temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees each day through Sunday, meeting the National Weather Service's definition of a heat wave. Heat index values are forecast to reach the upper 90s to low 100s Thursday and Friday, with isolated readings as high as 105 degrees possible. The most intense conditions are expected between noon and 6 p.m. daily, with Friday forecast to be the hottest day of the period.
A National Weather Service Heat Advisory is in effect from noon Thursday through 8 p.m. Friday for most of Connecticut. Officials said extensions are expected as hot weather continues through the weekend.
An Air Quality Alert is also in effect Thursday for Connecticut's coastline, including Westport. Residents with respiratory conditions or sensitivities are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
"The forecast ahead is serious," said Chief Nicholas Marsan, Westport's emergency management director. "The state's protocol is a proactive measure to protect those most vulnerable to extreme heat. In Westport, we've activated cooling centers and are monitoring conditions closely. Please check in on neighbors, limit outdoor activity, and use available resources if you need relief from the heat."
Westport Emergency Management said isolated to scattered strong or severe thunderstorms are possible Thursday and Friday afternoons and evenings, primarily between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Western Connecticut, including Westport, is in the National Weather Service's Slight Risk category for severe thunderstorms on both days.
Potential hazards include damaging winds exceeding 58 mph, hail up to 1 inch in diameter, heavy rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, localized flash flooding and lightning. Officials said there is a 20 percent chance of urban flooding.
Residents are encouraged to schedule outdoor activities during morning hours and be prepared to move indoors quickly if storms develop.
The following locations are available as cooling centers:
Residents who need assistance or transportation can call 211 or visit 211ct.org.
Officials recommend staying in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible and not relying on fans as the primary method of cooling. People working or exercising outdoors are advised to drink 2 to 4 cups of water per hour and avoid waiting until they feel thirsty.
Additional recommendations include avoiding alcohol and sugary drinks, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, taking cool showers or baths, and checking on older adults, young children and people with chronic medical conditions.
Officials also reminded residents never to leave children or pets in parked vehicles and to ensure pets kept outdoors have access to water and shade.
According to Westport Emergency Management, groups most vulnerable to heat-related illness include adults 65 and older, infants and young children, people with heart disease, high blood pressure or other chronic conditions, those taking medications for depression, insomnia or circulation issues, and people who work or exercise outdoors.
— Flyer from the Town of Westport
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