UPDATED: Whew! Summer Arrives

Summer arriving today with a "whew" has Sharon Fire Chief James Wright  reminding residents to stay hydrated and cool.

The official first day of summer will see temperatures around 95 degrees, and 96 on Thursday, the National Weather Service in Taunton reported on its website Tuesday night.

Tuesday afternoon, the agency issued a heat advisory for noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday for much of Southern New England, including the Sharon area.

"The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Avoid prolonged work in the sun or in poorly ventilated areas. Drink plenty of fluids. Stay in an air-conditioned environment. Stay out of the sun, and check in on relatives and neighbors," the alert says.

"To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency - call 9 1 1."

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's New England regional office predicted poor air quality for this area and elsewhere in Southern New England today and Thursday.

"Exposure to elevated ozone levels can cause breathing problems, aggravate asthma and other pre-existing lung diseases, and make people more susceptible to respiratory infection.  When ozone levels are elevated, people should refrain from strenuous outdoor activity, especially sensitive populations such as children and adults with respiratory problems," the agency said in a press release Tuesday.

Wright said residents should "remember there are numerous public venues that have air conditioning, i.e. malls, restaurants, etc."

"All people, especially those with medical conditions, should limit strenuous activities and remember a cool water mist from a clean spray bottle and a fan can keep you nice and cool," he said.

Many Sharon youngsters will head to the beach.

Sharon Recreation's Summer Kickoff Celebration at Veteran's Memorial Park Beach will include face painting, a rock wall and a bounce house, starting at 1 p.m. Admission will be free, and beach tags will not be required.