A dangerous heat wave is gripping Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island today, with heat index values expected to reach 100°F.
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the region through 8 p.m. Wednesday, urging residents to take precautions against the extreme heat.
Heat Advisory in Effect Across New England
The Heat Advisory covers much of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, including major cities like Worcester, Springfield, Providence, and Hartford. The advisory excludes the Berkshires and Cape Cod in Massachusetts, as well as Block Island in Rhode Island.
The National Weather Service expects heat index values to climb to 100°F by late afternoon, making outdoor activities particularly dangerous.
Health and Safety Precautions
The extreme heat poses a risk to public safety, especially for commuters and outdoor workers in cities like Boston, Lowell, and Cambridge. Local agencies urge residents to limit strenuous activities, particularly between noon and 4 p.m., when the heat will be at its peak.
In areas like Worcester, Brockton, and New Bedford, residents are encouraged to seek air-conditioned spaces and check on elderly neighbors or those without reliable air conditioning.
State health departments are advising people to drink extra fluids, avoid direct sun exposure, and wear lightweight, breathable clothing. Schools and childcare centers in Springfield and Providence are monitoring outdoor activities, and emergency crews in Hartford and Norwood are on standby for heat-related illnesses.
The heat advisory will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday, but further alerts could be issued if temperatures remain dangerously high. Stay informed and take all necessary precautions to protect yourself from the intense heat as the wave continues across southern New England.
