Heat, humidity and a little smoke from the Canadian wildfires expected over next three days. Summertime heat and humidity mixed with a little smoke from the Canadian wildfires will make working outside uncomfortable during the next three days.

Highs are forecast to reach or exceed 90 F each day. In addition, smoke and haze may lead to unhealthy air quality for vulnerable populations. Air quality alerts have already been issued today for southern Fairfield, New Haven, and Middlesex counties.

Residents should feel free to visit the locations below to seek relief from the heat:

*The Municipal Center at Fairfield Hills, Monday thru Friday from 7 am to 5 pm, and later on nights with public meetings.

*C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, Monday - Thursday from 9:30 am to 8 pm; Friday and Saturday from 9:30 am to 5 pm

*Newtown Community Center, telephone 203-270-4349 (Please call ahead to be sure the timing of your visit can be properly accommodated)

Monday - Thursday 6 am - 9 pm, Friday 6 am - 8 pm, Saturday 7 am - 5:30 pm, Sunday 7 am - 5 pm

Things you can do:

*Do your shopping, errands, etc. Our grocery stores are full of healthy choices and air-conditioning as are most of our local businesses.

*We ask that you please check on any elderly or frail neighbors to be certain they are doing OK in this weather. 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.

*Drink plenty of water

*Avoid strenuous activities

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

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

*Avoid alcohol and caffeine ~ Eat lightly throughout the day

*Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or long periods in the sun (especially between the hours of 12 noon and 4pm which are the hottest hours during the day)

Heat Related Illness has some common symptoms that should be watched for, including: dry red spotted skin; mental confusion; body temp at or above 105 degrees F; dizziness, weakness and/or fatigue; headache, nausea, cramps; or the onset of a sudden rash.

If these symptoms are experienced, move the patient to a cooler location, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths, have them sip water. If the patient’s condition persists, call 9-1-1.

Additionally, Governor Ned Lamont announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that temperatures over the next several days are expected to be very hot and humid, he is directing Connecticut’s extreme hot weather protocol to be activated effective at 2 pm on Wednesday, July 5, and continuing through 8 pm on Friday, July 7.

This is the first time this season that the protocol has been enacted. Its purpose is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions.

While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location to get some relief from the hot conditions.

Governor Lamont is advising Connecticut residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable, to take precautions ahead of the high temperatures.

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, 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.

*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.

Due to the ongoing Canadian wildfires, Governor Lamont is also encouraging residents to sign up to receive daily air quality forecasts by visiting AirNow.gov to view the latest nearby air quality information.