The city and much of Rhode Island is under an excessive heat watch today, with the National Weather Service warning of a heat index at 101 degrees.
The NWS heat index is a measure of how hot it feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. Since heat index values were devised for shady, light wind conditions, exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15°F.
The forecast calls for sunny skies today, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9 p.m. and midnight.
On Monday, the city's Emergency Management Director Gary Lataille officially designated the Woonsocket Senior Center and Harris Public Library as cooling centers. They remain open throughout the week.
Woonsocket Senior Center at 84 Social Street is open Tuesday-Friday, July 16-19 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and the Harris Public Library will be open Tuesday and Friday July 16 and 19 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, July 17 and July 18 from 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Officials are reminding residents of safety tips for dealing with very hot weather:
- Wear light, loose clothing
- Drink lots of water
- Stay out of the sun, and inside a spot with air conditioning if possible
- All outside work should be limited during the extreme heat of the day
- Pets should be kept cool and have a constant supply of water
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