Relief from heat is in sight

Aug. 8—Despite a forecast that predicts the current heat wave to break this week, residents still need to find ways to keep cool until then.

Gov. Ned Lamont has extended the Extreme Heat Emergency Management Protocol to last until Tuesday at 8 p.m.

"It's looking like we are in for another couple more days of high humidity, and I strongly encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions," Lamont said.

Lamont originally issued the protocol on Aug. 2 with the expectation of temperatures dropping by Aug. 5. However, the forecast calls for temperatures to exceed 90 degrees most days this week.

The only way for most people to cool off outside is to take advantage of public pools, because of the lack of accessibility to some lakes in the area.

Coventry Lake has been closed to swimmers due to the blue-green algae bloom, which can be toxic to people and pets. However, the beaches at Patriots Park and Lisicke Beach are open.

On Friday, Coventry Fire Department helped keep campers cool at Patriots Park and spraying 5,000 gallons of water on them for more than 20 minutes.

In Vernon, officials are advising residents to not swim in the lake at Valley Falls Park, as there will be no lifeguards on duty for the summer.

Instead, residents are urged to swim at Community Pool at 375 Hartford Turnpike or Newhoca Beach at 185 Grier Road.

According to the National Weather Service's website, there have been six days in August where the temperatures have been 90 degrees or higher. There were 11 such days in the whole month of July.

Northeast Regional Coordinator Bill Simpson said that temperatures will start to drop below 90 degrees on Tuesday evening and then we will experience a "pattern change" due to a change in the air mass.

He added that temperatures for the rest of the week should be low to mid 80s.

Until then, several local towns are using public facilities as cooling centers.

In Vernon, residents should head to the senior center or the Rockville Public Library, Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said.

In Tolland, people can use the library as a cooling center from Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Residents in Bolton can go to the Town Hall, library and senior center during normal hours or visit Indian Notch Park.

Manchester's libraries, police department lobby, senior center and Weiss Center will be open during normal business hours for use as cooling centers.

Windsor Locks also has a cooling station at its senior center at 41 Oak St.

First Selectman Paul Harrington said that the center will continue to be a place where residents can get a break from the heat through at least Tuesday.

The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness released a statement with tips on how to stay safe in extreme heat.

The group advises people to stay in air-conditioned buildings as long as possible, avoid direct sunlight, wear lightweight clothing, take cool showers or baths, and stay hydrated.

Infants, young children, people over 65, people with illnesses, and people who overexert themselves at work should take greater precautions than most.

People should also be drinking more water than usual, and avoid alcohol or sugary drinks, according to Lamont's office.

Information on local cooling centers can be found by calling 211 or visiting 211ct.org.

Collin covers East Windsor and Windsor Locks for the Journal Inquirer.