HARTFORD, Conn. — The state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection witnessed temperatures rise into the mid-90s on Tuesday and projects that similar temperatures will persist into Wednesday.
According to a release from DEEP on Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the entire state through Wednesday. DEEP said the hot temperatures will contribute to elevated ozone levels in different parts of the state that could approach or exceed levels that are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, or USG levels.
DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said in the release that the record high temperatures could make for unhealthy ozone levels, as air pollution transported into Connecticut combines with local air pollution from transportation sources such as higher emitting cars and trucks operating on the state’s roadways.
“These conditions will produce unhealthy levels of ozone in western Connecticut today and along the southwestern coast tomorrow,” Dykes said in the release on Tuesday. “Whenever ozone concentrations reach these levels, vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and those with respiratory diseases, should continue to exercise caution.”
Dykes noted that as forecasted high temperature indices exceed 100 degrees, “Even healthy adults who spend prolonged periods outdoors working or exercising should minimize strenuous activities and recognize that poor air quality combined with dangerously high temperatures will affect everyone.”
Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani, MD, said in the release that residents should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in cooler air-conditioned/shaded areas and limit time spent in direct sun during the heatwave.
“Additionally, more physical tasks should take place in the morning or evening, when the sun is less intense, and temperatures are cooler. Residents also should stay informed with town alerts and updates from their local health departments,” Juthani said in the release.
DEEP said Juthani encourages residents to make use of a new tool developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that allows residents to enter their zip code to view the real-time heat risk in their respective counties. Click to access the HeatRisk tool. They can also access AirNow for more information.
When air quality is forecasted to reach USG levels, DEEP said there is an increased chance for individuals in sensitive groups to develop respiratory symptoms and experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Children and people with asthma or other lung disease are most at risk for experiencing these symptoms, the release said.
Peak ozone levels generally occur between 2-8 p.m., so DEEP encourages residents to do strenuous activities such as exercise before or after that time period.
DEEP said a cold front is approaching Connecticut and should cool temperatures down by Thursday, bringing in much better air quality.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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