Prepare to find a cool place, as Southern New England may soon experience heat indices of over 105 degrees.
According to the National Weather Service, there will be a warming trend this week, with dangerous heat expected by mid-to-late week.
As confidence grows in the face of excessive temperatures, an excessive temperatures watch has been issued for all of Rhode Island, as well as practically all of Massachusetts and Connecticut, from 10 a.m. Wednesday until 8 p.m. Friday.
This heat event will have exceptionally high nocturnal temperatures, with little reprieve from the heat. Those without access to appropriate cooling and hydration will be particularly vulnerable to the high overnight temperatures.
Some relief may arrive by next weekend, but temperatures may still reach the low to mid 90s, necessitating heat advisories even beyond that weekend.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has issued the following to prepare you:
What to do During Extreme Heat
- Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20°F within 10 minutes.
- Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight, and help maintain normal body temperature.
- Drink plenty of water — even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink, ask how much you should drink during hot weather.
- Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.
- If you must be outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so your body temperature will have a chance to recover. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Avoid using your stove and oven.
- Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Consider spending time in air-conditioned public spaces, such as schools, libraries, theaters, and other community facilities.
- Check with your local authorities or Call 2-1-1 to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you.
- On hot days, more people cool off around bodies of water. Playing in and around water can increase the risk of drowning. Learn how to keep yourself and your children safe in and around water with these Water Safety Tips.
- If there are power outages during warm weather, you may need to take additional precautions or go to a cooling center or emergency shelter to stay cool.
- Know the symptoms of and watch out for heat-related illnesses. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.
- Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, those who may need additional assistance, and those who may not have air conditioning.
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