CT Weather: Heat Advisory, Timeline For Thunderstorms Released

A Heat Advisory is in effect from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday for Hartford and Tolland counties as the heat index will hit 100 degrees this afternoon. Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is forecasting Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) for ozone, across all of Connecticut today June 18, 2018.

In the heat advisory, the weather service says for Northern Connecticut that "Extreme heat can cause illness and death among at- risk population who cannot stay cool. The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure."

The state DEEP asks all Connecticut residents to take necessary precautions today. “With the summer season getting into full swing, kids out of school and families taking vacation, it is understandable that residents will be outside, enjoying the warm weather at one of Connecticut’s beautiful beaches or state parks,” said Commissioner Rob Klee. “Remember, it is important you take appropriate precautions when ozone levels are elevated, particularly for our most vulnerable residents – children, the elderly and those with respiratory diseases. This weather can also impact healthy adults working or exercising outdoors – to minimize health impacts while working outdoors avoid prolonged strenuous activity and best if you exercise before noon or after 8 pm.”

Health Effects of Air Pollution

When air quality is in the USG category, there is an increased likelihood of respiratory symptoms and breathing discomfort. Children and people with asthma are most at risk for experiencing symptoms. Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Peak ozone levels are predicted to occur around 2-8 PM EDT, so make sure you get your activity or exercise in before or after these times to minimize health effects.

Timeline of Thunderstorm Threat

Between 4 and 8 p.m. there is a chance for thunderstorms in Connecticut and for those areas that receive storms it could include strong winds and heavy rain, the weather service said. Some isolated storms are possible after midnight too. The storms are expected to reduce the humidity somewhat on Tuesday.

See also: 2 Of The Top 50 Worst Places To Live Are Right Here In CT

Connecticut's Largest Homes County-By-County

Tips to Reduce Air Pollution via the CT DEEP

DEEP recommends simple, common sense steps to reduce your contribution to air pollution:

· Drive Clean –considered purchasing or leasing a plug-in electric vehicle. Learn more by visiting: www.driveelectricus.com;

· Drive Less - consider carpooling, vanpooling, using public transit or even telecommuting;

· Save Energy- setting air conditioners to 78o and “Wait ‘til 8” to use energy intensive appliances like washing machines, dryers and dishwashers;

· Be Aware of Your Air -Understand the Air Quality Index and sign up to receive alerts so you will know when air quality is predicted to be unhealthy; and

· When you know there will be an unhealthy air day-make small changes to your routine:

1. Refuel your vehicle after dusk and stop refueling when the nozzle clicks off,

2. Avoid idling your vehicle unnecessarily,

3. Delay mowing your lawn or using other lawn and garden equipment until evening

4. Limit your outdoor activity in the heat of the day,

5. Refrain from recreational wood burning;

· Remember that knowledge is power! Ask your school if they participate in the School Flag Program, EPA’s Air Quality awareness tool that uses colored flags based on the AQI to notify teachers, students, administrators and the local community of air quality conditions.

Photo credit: Shutterstock