Advisory in effect, as Malloy urges precautions against summer heat

The high heat and poor air quality expected today and tomorrow have prompted a heat advisory and air quality alert for several counties in Connecticut.

The National Weather Service says the heat advisory will be in effect through 8 p.m. Thursday in northern and southern New London County, northern and southern Middlesex County and northern and southern New Haven County, among other areas.

A heat advisory means the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make the temperature feel like 100 to 104 degrees for two consecutive hours. It’s recommended that people who work or spend time outside take extra precautions and reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning and evening hours.

State environmental officials have issued an air quality alert for Wednesday in New London, Fairfield, Middlesex and New Haven counties. An air quality alert is issued when ozone levels in an area are expected to approach or exceed unhealthy levels.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy is asking residents to be cautious given the expected conditions.

“A few simple 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,” Malloy said in statement Wednesday. “Many towns are opening cooling centers across the state. Any resident looking for a place to cool off should call 2-1-1 to find out where their closest cooling center is located.”

The statement includes several recommendations, including the suggestions that people slow down, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and stay indoors as much as possible.