A heat wave is expected in Connecticut next September

HARTFORD, Conn. — As summer comes to an unofficial end this Labor Day, the hot days will stick around for another week, creating a potential heat wave. It’s important for you and your pets to stay cool as temperatures start to rise.

Temperatures Monday through Thursday are expected to exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit and drop back into the 80s on Friday.

Labor Day will be 91 and hot, Tuesday will hit 93 and hot, with Wednesday and Thursday hitting 94 and, you guessed it, hot.

From Thursday to Saturday, there will be scattered rain and storms.

While you’re outside, it’s important to remember that the heat can be dangerous.

There are additional steps to ensure the safety of you and your friends, family, and neighbors when it comes to hot weather:

• Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids
• Stay in air conditioners or in dark, cool conditions as much as possible, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors.
• Small children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances, as vehicle interior temperatures can reach deadly temperatures in just minutes under these conditions.
• During periods of extreme heat, cooling centers are often opened at the local level. These cooling centers provide a place to cool off for community members, especially those most affected by extreme heat.
• Stay hydrated
• Stay inside
• Watch for signs of dehydration (dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth)
• Do not leave pets outside
• Do not leave children or pets inside the car
• Check on elderly neighbors

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke occur when the body loses its ability to cool itself or becomes dehydrated, which can be life-threatening. Here are some signs to watch out for:

Dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, weakness, and nausea are signs of heat exhaustion. Confusion, dizziness, headache, or loss of consciousness are signs of heat stroke.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms is urged to find a place to cool down and call 911.

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Pets can also experience heat exhaustion, and can die from it.

People seem to take their pets wherever they go, but breaking a car window is not safe for them. Leaving them at home is really the safest place during extreme heat.

On a 70°F day, in just 10 minutes, the temperature in the car rises to 90°F.

On an 85°F day, the temperature exceeds 100°F in the same period of time. The longer you wait, the higher this number.

The bottom line here is: love your pets and leave them at home. They will wag their tail and be ready for treats when you return.

If a city or town opens a dedicated cooling center, United Way-211 lists the site location and hours of operation on its website.

United Way- 211: Extremely hot cooling centers

To add your cooling center information or make any changes to current listings, please send your information to: info@ctunitedway.org

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