The National Weather Service (NWS) has for a few days been monitoring heat waves across the country. According to the NWS office in New York this morning, June 28, the Northeast is poised for above-average temperatures and oppressive heat for at least the first part of this week.

A NWS heat advisory is in effect through 8 pm, Tuesday, June 29, with heat index values up to 102 degrees expected across portions of southern Connecticut, New Jersey, and southeast New York.

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur, the weather service cautioned Monday morning. The highest index values will occur during the afternoon and early evening hours.

A heat advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk, also according to the weather service. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.

“Use air conditioning to stay cool at home, or go to a place that has air conditioning. Check on vulnerable friends, family members, and neighbors,” the weather service posted on its website Monday morning.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location.

“Heat stroke is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 911,” the weather service advised.

Heat advisories may be extended into Wednesday, the service also noted Monday morning.

Local, State Officials: Take Precautions

Local and state officials are taking those warnings to heart, issuing precautionary statements and reminders for residents who relief from the heat.

The Town of Newtown Office of the First Selectman, Emergency Management team, and Health District issued a shared statement Monday, June 28, “to prevent our citizens from becoming victims of the heat during these days of extremely high temperatures.”

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, Director of Emergency Management Bill Halstead, Deputy Director Emergency Management/Health Director Donna Culbert, Deputy Director Emergency Management/Communications Maureen Will, and Deputy Director Emergency Management/Land Use Disaster Recovery & Planning Coordinator Rob Sibley note that all residents should feel free to visit the following locations to seek relief from the heat:

Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street, open Monday through Friday, 7 am-5 pm;

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 7 pm (203-426-4533, chboothlibrary.org); and

Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street — residents are asked to call ahead to make sure their visit can be accommodated — open Monday through Thursday, 6 am-9 pm; Friday, 6 am-8 pm; Saturday, 7 am-5:30 pm; and Sunday, 7 am-5 pm (203-270-4349).

In addition, do your shopping, errands, etc, early when possible. Grocery stores are full of healthy choices and air-conditioning, as are most local businesses.

“We ask that you please check on any elderly or frail neighbors to be certain they are doing OK in this weather,” the local officials recommend.” You might want to suggest that they come to any of our ‘cool locations’ if their residence is overheated.

“Monitor your pets as well; keep them out of the sun, do not leave them in cars, even with the windows open, and be sure they have plenty of water,” they added.

Similarly, Governor Ned Lamont on Monday advised Connecticut residents to take precautions ahead of the extreme temperatures. Cooling centers are open across the state. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by calling 211.

“Everyone should take the necessary precautions as the heat rises over the next several days,” Lamont said. “A few steps can greatly reduce heat-related issues, especially for the elderly, the very young, and people with respiratory ailments who are more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures.”

Rosenthal, Halstead, Culbert, Will, and Sibley also remind residents of the following safety steps to take during any heat wave:

*Drink plenty of water (see additional notes below);

*Avoid strenuous activities;

*Take frequent rests for cooling down in an air-conditioned area or near a fan;

*Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing;

*Avoid alcohol and caffeine;

*Eat lightly throughout the day; and

*Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or long periods in the sun, especially between the hours of noon and 4 pm, which are the hottest hours during the day.

Stay Hydrated

Gov Lamont notes that because a body loses fluids through sweat, it is easy to become dehydrated during times of extreme heat. With that in mind:

*Drink more water than usual;

*Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink more fluids;

*Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside;

*Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar; and

*Remind others to drink enough water.

Symptoms Of Heat Illness

Heat-related illness has some common symptoms that should be watched for, including:

*Dry, red spotted skin;

*Mental confusion;

*Body temperature at or above 105 degrees F;

*Dizziness;

*Weakness;

*Fatigue;

*Headache;

*Nausea;

*Cramps; and

*Rash

If these symptoms are experienced, move the patient to a cooler location, loosen clothing, apply cool, wet cloths, and have them sip water. If the patient’s condition persists, call 911.

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, Lamont reminds residents that some people are at greater risk than others:

*Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids;

*People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature;

*People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat;

*People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness; and

*People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Emergency Numbers

Residents who have additional concerns or questions are invited to contact local officials at the following numbers:

Office of the First Selectman, 203-270-4201;

Emergency Management/Fire Marshal, 203-270-4370; and

Health District, 203-270-4291.

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Associate Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.