From the Town of Greenwich
Temperatures in Greenwich will be in the mid- to-upper 90’s over the next two days, potentially reaching into the high 90’s and over 100 degrees.
The State of Connecticut has activated its extreme hot weather protocol through Thursday, July 15, at 5:00pm. Greenwich residents are urged to take precautions, watch after their pets and vulnerable friends and loved ones and make use of cooling centers in Town if needed.
The National Weather Service has put a heat advisory in effect for Greenwich and the surrounding region for Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, until 9:00pm
Tuesday’s temperatures were forecast to be in the mid-to-upper 90s with potential localized spots approaching 100 degrees. Tuesday night’s forecast is that it will be warm and humid too, with the temperatures only dropping into the upper 70s to low 80s.
Then on Wednesday, the high is expected to peak in the upper 90’s to low 100’s in the area. Residents should limit exposure to the outdoors during this period of high heat and make sure and hydrate. There is an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations, seniors and outdoor workers.
While some relief is expected on Thursday and Friday, with less humidity forecast, there will still be very warm temperatures for the rest of the week.
Please make use of cooling centers available in Town if needed. The Greenwich Public Safety Complex’s Margenot Atrium will be the Town’s primary cooling center and will be open for 24/7 for people. Greenwich Town Hall, Greenwich Library and its branches in Byram and Cos Cob, Perrot Memorial Library in Old Greenwich and the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center and Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center will be available as cooling centers during their regular hours of operation.
To stay safe during the heat, stay hydrated and drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you are waiting to drink when you are already thirsty, then dehydration has already begun.
Avoid alcohol and carbonated beverages during high temperatures and make sure you have access to an air conditioner or fan. Being in a cool environment can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
If you haven’t, please register for Greenwich Emergency Alerts at www.GreenwichAlerts.org to receive emergency messages about hazardous weather or a large-scale emergency impacting the Town.
The Greenwich Department of Health reminds residents that heat-related illnesses are a public health threat and that all residents, especially persons who are young, elderly or have medical conditions and /or use medications that impede body temperature regulation, those who do not have air conditioning,
Always avoid direct sunlight exposure and give your pets plenty of water to drink. Never leave any person or pet in a parked vehicle even if the windows are open and do not leave food items in the car or outdoors as food spoils quickly.
Heat stroke, which is also called “sunstroke,” occurs when a person’s temperature control system, which produces sweat to cool the body, stops working. The skin is flushed, hot and dry, and body temperature may be elevated. The victim may also be confused, develop seizures, breathe shallowly and have a weak or rapid pulse. This is the most serious heat-related illness and people exhibiting these symptoms should seek emergency medical attention by calling 911.
Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms resulting from heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe heat-related illness, they are an early signal that the body is having trouble coping with heat and should be treated immediately with rest and fluids. Stretching or direct pressure can also reduce cramps. Unless very severe, heat cramps do not require emergency medical attention.
Heat Exhaustion occurs when body fluids are lost through heavy sweating due to vigorous exercise or working in a hot, humid place. Symptoms include: sweating; pale, clammy skin; fatigue; headache; dizziness; shallow breaths; and a weak or rapid pulse. Victims of heat exhaustion are tired but not confused. The condition should be treated with rest in a cool area, drinking water or electrolyte solutions, elevating the feet 12 inches, and further medical treatment in severe cases. If not treated,
the victim’s condition may escalate to heat stroke. If the victim does not respond to basic treatment, seek medical attention.