The mercury has already climbed above 90 degrees in Providence.
The state department of Health is advising Rhode Islanders to stay out of the sun and to drink lots of water. The Environmental Protection Agency is warning that air quality may be unsafe for the next couple days.
But National Weather Service meteorologist Alan Dunham says the heat will break by Friday
“By Friday, partly sunny with showers and thunderstorms, with highs only in the low to mid 80’s,” said Dunham. “It’s July in southern New England, you’re going to get stretches like this. This isn’t unusual at all.”
In the meantime residents are working to keep cool. Though the health officials recommend avoiding direct sun, Mario Jemenas from San Salvador, said without an air conditioner, getting outside is the only way to beat the heat.
“I try to walk, too hot in my house,” said Jemenas. “I can’t believe (it). I don’t know why the bus is not free today. Really, it’s almost 95 degrees today.”
Woonsocket resident, Tia Dunn, said she and her children went to the Providence Place Mall to get out of the heat.
“We’ve been going to the pool a lot and staying cool in the air conditioner,” said Dunn.
Manning a Del’s Lemonade stand in downtown Providence, resident Philip Randal said he had a few plans for keeping cool.
“Probably visit the beach, go in the pool, and drink a lot of Del’s,” said Randal.
To stay safe, the state Health Department is reminding Rhode Islanders to drink extra water and avoid caffeine and alcohol. As you might guess, health officials also suggest staying out of direct sunlight as much as possible, and taking precautions if outdoor activity is unavoidable.
“If people are going to be outside exercising, they should be sure to pace themselves, and to not push too hard, and then to of course to remain hydrated,” said Department of Health spokesman Joseph Wendelken.
Wendelken recommends visiting air-conditioned places like the mall or the library. For residents who don’t have air conditioning at home, “use fans and keep shades or curtains drawn during the day to block some of that sunlight,” Wendelken said.
The EPA expects poor air-quality to last through Thursday. Young children, seniors, and people with chronic medical conditions are at the greatest risk, but health officials say all Rhode Islanders should remain cautious during hot weather.
