Potentially Dangerous Heat Wave To Continue Through Mid-Week

The potentially dangerous hot weather is expected to continue for the next few days, according to the National Weather Service. 

"Across the East, temperatures will warm further and become downright hot, with temperatures reaching well into the 90's the next several days as [a] subtropical ridge continues to build westward," the NWS. The good news is that the "the strong ridging will tend to suppress shower and thunderstorm activity for much of the East," but the heat wave is expected to continue through the rest of the week. 

In Guilford, First Selectman Joe Mazza said Guilford Free Library at 67 Park Street would be open until 8 p.m., and that the Nathanael Greene Community Center at 32 Church Street would be open until 8 p.m. on Monday. The Guilford library is open on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Nathanael Greene Community Center's regular hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

First Selectman Fillmore McPherson said Scranton Memorial Library at 801 Boston Post Road in Madison is open from 9 .m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 

The Durham Public Library at 7 Maple Avenue in Durham is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

To find out about events going on at each library, check the Scranton Memorial website, the Guilford Free Library website, and the Durham Library website. 

"The highest heat values will occur in the afternoon into early evening hours," the NWS said. The heat index values are around 100 due to temperatures in the lower 90s and dewpoints around 70, the NWS said. 

"If no protective action is taken, initial impacts include fatigue. Sunstroke, muscle cramps, and/or heat exhaustion are also possible."

"A heat advisory is issued if the heat index values reach 100 to 104 degrees. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room. Stay out of the sun. And check up on relatives and neighbors," the NWS said. 

"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 and shaded location. Heat stork is an emergency, call 911," the NWS said. 

Here are some tips from the Mayo Clinic on how to avoid heat stroke: 

Heatstroke is predictable and preventable. Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather:

• Wear loosefitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won't allow your body to cool properly.
• Wear light-colored clothing if you're in the sun. Dark clothing absorbs heat. Light-colored clothing can help keep you cool by reflecting the sun's rays.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature.
• Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if you take medications that can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.
• Never leave children or anyone else in a parked car. This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F (more than 6.7 C) in just 10 minutes. It's not safe to leave a person inside a parked car in hot weather for any period of time, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in the shade. When your car is parked, keep it locked to prevent a child from getting inside.
• Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If you can't avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, follow the same precautions and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening. Taking breaks and replenishing your fluids during that time will help your body regulate your temperature.
• Get acclimatized. Limit the amount you spend working or exercising in the heat until you're conditioned to it. People who are not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related illness, including heatstroke. It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather.
• Be cautious if you're at increased risk. If you take medications or have a physical condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If you participate in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure there are medical services at the event in case a heat emergency arises.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
• Hallucinations
• Chills
• Throbbing headache
• High body temperature
• Confusion/dizziness
• Slurred speech

Take the following steps to treat a worker with heat stroke:

• Call 911 and notify their supervisor.
• Move the sick worker to a cool shaded area.
• Cool the worker using methods such as:

• Soaking their clothes with water.
• Spraying, sponging, or showering them with water.
• Fanning their body.