The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory for Providence, Kent, and Washington counties, from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. today. Forecasters are predicting temperatures in the 90s, and with humidity, a heat index of up to 105 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 today. On air quality alert days, all RIPTA regular bus routes are free.
For more information on extreme heat, visit