The National Weather Service is forecasting that a 3-day heat wave will impact the Norwalk area starting today, Wednesday August 11 through the evening of Friday, August 13. High temperatures for the area are forecast to be in the 90s. Combined with a humid air mass present over the area, the heat index may reach 100 degrees. 

Given the forecast, Mayor Harry Rilling has opened Cooling Centers in Norwalk. The Main Branch Library (1 Belden Ave.), SoNo Branch Library (10 Washington St.), and the Norwalk Police Department Community Room (1 Monroe St.) are available for residents. The Libraries are open 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and the NPD Community Room is open 24 hours a day. Those who visit a Cooling Center are asked to wear a mask or face covering and stay socially distanced from those not from the same household. Residents can also call 2-1-1 to locate their nearest cooling center. 

On top of the hot weather, some smoke from western wildfires may also move across our area this week causing unhealthy conditions at times. These hot temperatures combined with high humidity and some wildfire smoke may cause issues for the elderly, very young, and anyone with respiratory ailments. 

These hot and humid conditions may cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke for persons working outdoors. The elderly, young children, and pets are especially vulnerable to the heat. Remember to take frequent breaks if working outside and drink plenty of water to beat the heat. Mayor Rilling encourages residents to take precautions, and offers the following tips:

• Stay cool: 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 shelter. 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.
• Stay Hydrated: Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat.
• Drink more water than usual.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Drink from 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 additional resources about summer and heat safety, visit norwalkct.org.