A wave of dangerous heat and humidity is hitting Connecticut this week. The hot weather is expected to last through at least Friday.
Near record-breaking temperatures are expected, according to the National Weather Service.
Temperatures will rise into the mid-90s with humidity making some areas feel hotter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat wave comes as temperatures ramp up across the U.S.
Gov. Ned Lamont has activated the state’s "Extreme Weather Protocol." Cooling centers across the state are open. Residents are advised to limit daytime activities, if possible.
Here are some things to know:
Where will there be extreme heat?
Heat advisories and excessive heat watches are in effect for inland portions of Connecticut through Friday evening.
“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” the NWS warns. “There will not be much relief during the overnight hours” with the heat index dropping only into the 70s.
A large area of high pressure and hot air is setting up across the East Coast, Connecticut Public Meteorologist Garett Argianas said.
"It's going to be quite hot," Argianas said. "Temperatures should reach well into the 90s through the end of the week. There's even a chance that we could make a run at 100 degrees, especially say, Thursday through Friday."
"When you add on the humidity it's going to feel hotter than that," he said.
To avoid the worst of the heat, if possible, shift activities to the morning or evening, health officials said.
“Residents should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in cooler air-conditioned/shaded areas, and limit the time spent in direct sun,” Dr. Manisha Juthani, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, said in a statement.
Curious about the heat risk where you live? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a new tool where you can input your zip code to get a real-time assessment of your county's heat risk.
What are the dangers of extreme heat?
Heat related illness can be deadly if not recognized and treated early, and often starts with muscle cramps or spasms, experts say. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke could follow.
Young children and infants, pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic medical conditions are especially vulnerable, as are those who can't get around well or who live alone.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating and fatigue; a weak pulse; skin that's cool, pale or clammy; and headache, dizziness, nausea and fainting. The person should be moved to an air-conditioned space and offered sips of water. Loosen their clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or put them in a cool bath. Seek medical help if they vomit.
A person suffering heat stroke may experience headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness and a body temperature above 103 F. They also may have hot, red dry or damp skin; rapid pulse and faint or lose consciousness. The CDC advises people to call 911 immediately and, while waiting for help, use cool cloths or a cool bath and move them to an air-conditioned space, but do not give them anything to drink.
How can you stay safe?
Stay indoors in an air-conditioned space and limit outdoor activities, experts said. If you don't have air conditioning, find out if your community will open cooling centers. But even those with air conditioning should plan ahead in the event of a power outage.
Other tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Drink plenty of water and take a cool shower or bath.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, and use your stove and oven less.
- Check on friends and relatives, especially those without air conditioning.
Communities also can prepare by opening cooling centers in places like schools and libraries.
Travelers Championship begins as temperatures heat up
The Travelers Championship in Cromwell opened to spectators this week as temperatures in the state reached the mid 90s.
Nathan Grube, director of the Travelers Championship, said the golf tournament will offer at least 11 locations with access to air conditioning.
Free water stations will also be available throughout the course and spectators are allowed to bring in an empty bottle, he said.
"It's a 32 ounce bottle of their choice that they can fill up as many times as they want to during the day for free," Grube said.
Trinity Health will also have several medical tents staffed with paramedics and nurses throughout the course for the entire tournament.
Where can I find a cooling center in CT?
A full list of cooling centers can be located by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211ct.org.
Here are some cooling centers in towns across Connecticut:
Bridgeport
Black Rock Senior Center
2676 Fairfield Ave.
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Weekdays only)
East Side Senior Center
268 Putnam St.
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Weekdays only)
Eisenhower Senior Center
307 Golden Hill St.
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Weekdays only)
North End Bethany Senior Center
20 Thorme St.
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Weekdays only)
GBT Station
710 Water St.
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday through Friday)
Mount Aery Baptist Church
72 Frank St.
(203) 334-2757
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Monday through Sunday)
Bridgeport Public Library Branches
Main Branch
925 Broad St.
Mon & Tues (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Wed & Thurs (noon to 8 p.m.), Fri & Sat (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Sunday (Closed)
Black Rock Branch
2705 Fairfield Ave.
Mon & Wed (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Tues & Thurs (noon to 8 p.m.), Fri & Sat (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Sunday (Closed)
Newfield Branch
755 Central Ave.
Mon & Tues (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Wed & Thurs (noon to 8 p.m.), Fri & Sat (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Sunday (Closed)
North Branch
3455 Madison Ave.
Mon & Wed (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Tues & Thurs (noon to 8 p.m.), Fri & Sat (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Sunday (Closed)
East Side Branch
1174 East Main St.
Mon (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Tues (noon to 8 p.m.) Wed (noon to 8 p.m.) Thurs (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Fri & Sat (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Sunday (Closed)
East Hartford
East Hartford Town Hall
740 Main St.
Mon & Wed: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thu: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fri: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Public Safety Complex Lobby
31 School St.
Open 24/7
Raymond Library
840 Main St.
Mon & Fri: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tue & Thu: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wickham Library
656 Burnside Ave.
Mon/Wed/Fri: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tue & Thu: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
East Hartford Senior Center
15 Millbrook Drive
Mon/Wed/Fri: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tue & Thu: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sat: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Community Cultural Center
50 Chapman Place
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday)
Ellington
Hall Memorial Library
93 Main St.
(860) 870-3160
Mon -Thu: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ellington Senior Center
40 Maple St.
(860) 870-3133
Mon: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tue-Thu: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fri: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Stamford
New Covenant Center
174 Richmond Hill Ave.
(203) 964-8228
West Haven
Main Library
300 Elm St.
(203) 937-4233
Mon-Thurs: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri-Sat: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Closed Sunday
Ora Mason Branch
260 Benham Hill Road
(203) 933-9381
Mon: Noon to 8 p.m., Tue-Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Closed on weekends
West Haven Senior Center
201 Noble St.
(203) 937-3507
Mon-Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Closed on weekends
This story will be updated. Connecticut Public's Matt Dwyer, Jeni Ahrens, Shanice Rhule, Patrick Skahill and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
