(Tuesday, June 13, 2017; 2:18 pm) This story has been updated to include Newtown Congregational Church's announcement that it would serve as a cooling center.

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While the second day of the work week has begun without

another Air Quality Alert, temperatures reached 87º F before 9:30 Tuesday morning, five hours after the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the region.

Tuesday's alert covers all four southern counties of Connecticut, in addition to sections of northeast New Jersey and southeast New York.

"Scattered thunderstorms are forecast for this afternoon and evening in association with a cold frontal passage. A few storms may become strong, possibly severe, with strong to damaging winds being the primary threat," according to the alert issued at 4:35 am.

The temperature at Waterbury-Oxford Airport at 9:27 am was 75º F and it was 82º at Danbury Municipal Airport, according to NWS. Local weather spotters on Wunderground.com were reporting temperatures of 87.3º at the same time in Newtown, however, with a heat index of 93º already.

A Heat Advisory had been issued by NWS weather service for Hartford County on Tuesday, while the remaining three northern counties of the state were also under a Hazardous Weather Outlook.

The weather service is predicting "Another hot and humid day with temperatures climbing into the 80s along the immediate coast and lower 90s most everywhere else. Middle 90s are possible within the metro area.

"The humidity will make it feel warmer for most areas, with heat index values in excess of 95 possible in the metro area. An approaching cold front will trigger scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly from late this afternoon into this evening. A few of these storms could be strong or possibly severe.

"A cooling trend is expected by Wednesday into the latter half of the week as Canadian high pressure builds in from the Northwest," the weather service also posted Tuesday morning.

The National Weather Service is predicting a cooling trend for Wednesday and the latter part of the week. Wednesday should dawn mostly sunny, with a high near 79, according to the forecast offered at 9:45 Tuesday morning. Wednesday's overnight will be mostly clear, with a low of 49.

The cooling could continue into Thursday, which will be sunny with a high of 71, also according to the weather service mid-Tuesday morning.

Grounds are very dry in the area due to a recent lack of rain other than a brief shower during the late afternoon of June 10. The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection's latest Forest Fire Dancer Report has the state at Low as of June 9.

Botsford Fire Rescue and Newtown Hook & Ladder Company responded to a brush fire on June 12, however. Shortly after 3 pm Monday, the companies were dispatched to Ethan Allen Road for a fire. Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue was also asked to provide a tanker, but the first firefighters arriving on the scene were able to knock the fire down quickly.

Stay Cool

During the summer - and even now, when late spring brings summer-like conditions - it is important to stay as cool as possible.

Lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothing can make all the difference. The less fabric that is touching one's body, the cooler it will feel.

During periods of intense heat, it is best to stay indoors. Whenever possible, it's even better to be in an air-conditioned location. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider heading to a mall or a public building that does offer cooler conditions. C.H. Booth Library, at 25 Main Street; Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street; and Newtown Senior Center, 14 Riverside Road, are regularly used as cooling centers for residents who need to get out of the heat.

Newtown Congregational Church, at 14 West Street, announced on Tuesday afternoon

via its Facebook page that it would be open until 7 pm as a cooling center.

When possible, residents of all ages should limit outdoor activities to morning and evening hours, when it's cooler.

Staying hydrated is crucial during hot weather. Listen to your body: take breaks to rest, rehydrate, and cool off regularly. Carry water or a sports drink when exercising, at the pool, or even doing errands.

It's also a good idea to avoid caffeine and alcohol during hot weather, as both can dehydrate the body.