Cooling centers are opening across Connecticut as officials urge residents to stay hydrated and check on vulnerable neighbors during the prolonged heat wave.
Heat Wave Details
Governor Ned Lamont has activated Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol as a prolonged stretch of dangerous heat is expected to impact the state through at least Sunday evening. The protocol took effect at noon Tuesday and will remain in effect through at least 6 p.m. Sunday.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for most of Connecticut, with the hottest conditions expected Thursday and Friday, when temperatures could reach 100 degrees and heat index values may climb to 110 degrees.
State officials are urging residents to limit time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day, stay hydrated and check on older adults, young children and anyone with underlying medical conditions.
Cooling Centers
Anyone who needs relief from the heat can find the nearest cooling center by visiting 211ct.org or by calling 211, which is coordinating cooling center information from municipalities across Connecticut.
In Hartford, cooling centers are open beginning Tuesday through Sunday. The Hartford Fire Department is also distributing water throughout the city.
In Waterbury, the city’s cooling center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents can also cool off at outdoor pools and splash pads.
In Middletown, cooling centers include the Veterans Memorial Park splash pad, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
State officials note that cooling centers may not provide food or beverages, so residents should check ahead before visiting.
To stay safe, officials recommend that residents stay hydrated, stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
