My Car Thermometer Says It's 113 Degrees in the Shade

Perhaps my car is prone to temperature hyperbole, as I'm not sure its reading of 113 degrees in the shade near the Wilton Library is quite accurate.

But I think it has the right idea: it is pretty darn hot outside. And just so my car doesn't feel badly about reporting oven-like readings, here's what one ingenious person decided to do with the crippling heat of their automotive interior.

Weather.com is reporting a current temperature of 98 degrees as of 2 p.m. There's a breeze but it's doing little more than moving already scorching air around.

Regional Energy Issues/Blackout Possibilities

Connecticut Light & Power is reporting only one power outage in Wilton, not bad considering Darienites were sweltering with over 400 households sans power (and thus air-conditioning) this morning.

"We invest millions every year for days and weeks like the one we're having," said CL&P spokesman Mitch Gross.

For consumers, Gross suggested there are "little things they can do to help ease the demand on the system," such as closing blinds, especially on the south side of the home, turning off unnecessary appliances and trying not to run the dishwasher or laundry until after 8 p.m. or "early, early morning." He also added that turning the air conditioner up a few degrees could help ease the load and lead to some real savings on your bill. And for those looking for more heat-related tips, see the attached PDF from the Red Cross.

Regionally, New England's bulk power administrator says everything is normal. However, ISO New England has issued an abnormal condition alert, as the amount of bulk power for the region has fallen below the desired level. While this does not indicate any likelihood of outages or requests to conserve electricity, it does indicate energy usage is on the rise and could pose a problem if the heat continues.

Cooling Centers

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that she is contacting municipal leaders around the state about setting up cooling centers in their respective towns.

Wilton, it just so happens, has one of the best cooling centers around: the library.

"In accordance with Governor Rell's request, Wilton Library is a 'cooling center' during the current heat wave," Library Director Kathy Leeds wrote in an email message today. "We are open Tuesday-Thursday (7/6-8) from 10-8; Friday (7/9) from 10-6; and Saturday from 10-5. The library is closed on Sunday (and the heat wave should be over by then!)."

In addition to great books, air-conditioning, plenty of water fountains and an ever-friendly staff, the library is also showing movies all afternoon in the Brubeck Room. Here are the showings:

• Planet 51 at 1 p.m.
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone at 3 p.m.
• Spaceballs at 6 p.m.

Commutes

Trains on the New Haven Line are running at reduced speeds during this afternoon's commute, so as to minimize the heat's impact on train equipment.

Metro-North officials anticipate no resulting delays.

Air Quality and Weather Concerns

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for southwestern Connecticut in effect until 7 p.m., the result of temperatures of 95-100 degrees combined with gradually rising humidity levels.

A heat advisory is issued when high humidity is expected to combine with hot temperatures to make it feel like it's 100-104 degrees for two consecutive hours.

Also, the state Dept. of Environmental Protection has issued an air quality alert for our area until 10 p.m. An air alert means that ground level ozone may approach or exceed unhealthy levels.

The forecast for the rest of the week includes temperatures reaching and exceeding 90 degrees, with occasional thunderstorms. Fortunately, temperatures are supposed to diminish in time for the weekend, falling back under 90 degrees into a more comfortable range.