06/11/2026
4-DAY HEAT WAVE EXPECTED TODAY THRU SUNDAY SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS TODAY & FRIDAY
As a result of Governor Lamont's Extreme Heat Protocol and the activation of CT DEMHS, I am writing to provide a brief update regarding cooling station options for today through Sunday during the anticipated heat wave.
The lobby of the Police Department at 36 Lynde Street will serve as a cooling station for the Town of Old Saybrook and will remain open 24 hours a day. If additional assistance is needed, further resources are available through Youth and Family Services. Informational signs will be posted outside Police Headquarters.
In addition, the Acton Public Library at 60 Old Boston Post Rd, Old Saybrook will be available as a place of refuge from the heat during its normal operating hours:
Monday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
If you are aware of anyone who may be in need of a cool and safe environment during this weather event, please feel free to contact the Police Department's Non Emergency line at (860) 395-4142.
Heat Advisories Issued for Connecticut Heat Advisories have been issued for most of the state (except for the southeast coast) from noon today until Friday evening. An Air Quality Alert is also in effect for today for the coast.
The Heat Indices are expected to be the highest in urban centers located inland from the coast. The cities of Hartford, Danbury, Waterbury and New Britain may approach heat index values of 95 - 100 F this afternoon. The coastal cities of New Haven and New London may benefit from a light sea breeze.
Heat Indices are expected to be nearly the same on Friday ranging from 95 – 100 F. A slightly cooler and dryer airmass may temper temperatures somewhat on Saturday and Sunday.
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others: ● Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids. ● People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature. ● People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat. ●People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness. ● People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.
Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include: ● Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness. ● Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off. ● Find an air-conditioned location. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) ● Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. ● Avoid direct sunlight. ● Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. ● Take cool showers or baths. ● Check on those most at-risk several times a day. ● Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool. ● Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.
Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat. As we lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common during very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to: ●Drink more water than usual. ● Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids. ● Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside. ● Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar. ● Remind others to drink enough water. For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares
SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS…
The NOAA Storm Prediction Center is indicating that today western Connecticut will be in the slight risk category for severe thunderstorms. Most of the rest of the state will be in the marginal risk category. Any thunderstorms that form will have a 5 – 15% chance of strong winds, 5 – 15% chance for large hail and a 2% chance for a weak tornado. Other hazards will also include frequent lightning and heavy rainfall. For Friday most of the state will be in the slight risk category for severe thunderstorms. The SPC is forecasting that any thunderstorms that develop today have a 5% - 15% chance of containing strong winds, a 5% chance for large hail and less than a 2% risk for an isolated tornado. Western CT is at the highest risk however the overall impact of this event is expected to be minor.
