Community Corner

Hot Weather to Arrive Wednesday as Temperatures Near 100 Degrees

The mercury is expected to rise into triple-digits before summer officially gets underway.

 

Summer officially starts at 7:09 p.m. on Wednesday, but you can expect to feel the heat sooner than that.

Temperatures are expected to rise to near triple-digits by Wednesday afternoon in some areas of Connecticut, according to the National Weather Service.

Find out what's happening in Durham-Middlefieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A high temperature of 92 degrees is forecast for Killingworth, while Durham and Middlefield will be closer to 95 degrees. The NWS predicts a heat index of 100 across much of the state. What's heat index? Click here to find out.

Extreme heat is also forecast on Thursday with temperatures again in the mid-90s. Temperatures will only drop off a bit on Friday.

Find out what's happening in Durham-Middlefieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) forecasts unhealthy air quality for “sensitive groups” on Wednesday and Thursday due to elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution for all of Middlesex county. 

A forecast of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” indicates increased likelihood of respiratory symptoms and breathing discomfort in active children and adults with respiratory disease, such as asthma. 

Ground level or "bad" ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx and VOC.

Link to current Air Quality Levels in CT: http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_state&stateid=7

Here are some tips from the The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection during extreme high temperatures: 

  • Slow down, and avoid strenuous activity.
  • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  • Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. They can actually dehydrate your body.
  • Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.
  • Stay indoors as much as possible.
  • If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate sweat, which cools your body.
  • Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned schools, libraries, theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.
  • Cover windows that get morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent
  • Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. If you are outside, use sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
  • Do not leave pets outside for extended periods. Make sure pets have plenty of drinking water.
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors regularly.


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