The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory for Providence and Kent counties, and the heat advisory is expected to be in effect through Thursday. Forecasters are predicting temperatures in the 90s, and with humidity, a heat index of 100 to 104 degrees.
The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) reminds all Rhode Islanders of the following tips to stay safe during extreme heat:
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of cool water throughout the day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. • Wear light-weight, loose-fitting clothes. If you must be outside, wear a hat and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. • Avoid direct sunlight. Seek shade or air-conditioned buildings (libraries, malls) to keep cool. • Avoid strenuous, outdoor physical activity. If you must exercise outdoors, do so in the morning when temperatures are cooler and the air quality is better. • The elderly, infants, and anyone with chronic health conditions may be more likely to experience heat-related illness. Check on your family, friends, and neighbors and make sure they are able to stay cool and hydrated. • Know the signs of heat stroke: altered mental state, not sweating, nausea. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. • Do not leave pets or young children in the car. It takes only minutes for the temperature inside the car to reach deadly levels. • Consider using RIPTA buses. The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has issued an air quality alert for Wednesday. On air quality alert days, all RIPTA regular bus routes are free.