Connecticut activates extreme heat protocol as dangerous temperatures move in

Cooling centers are opening across the state as officials urge residents to stay hydrated and check on vulnerable neighbors during the prolonged heat wave.

Governor Ned Lamont has activated Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol as a prolonged stretch of dangerous heat is expected to impact the state through at least Sunday evening.

The protocol took effect at noon Tuesday and will remain in effect through at least 6 p.m. Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for most of Connecticut, with the hottest conditions expected Thursday and Friday, when temperatures could reach 100 degrees and heat index values may climb to 110 degrees.

State officials are urging residents to limit time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day, stay hydrated and check on older adults, young children and anyone with underlying medical conditions.

Anyone who needs relief from the heat can find the nearest cooling center by visiting 211ct.org or by calling 211, which is coordinating cooling center information from municipalities across Connecticut.

Cooling centers by city

Hartford

Cooling centers are open beginning Tuesday through Sunday at:

Downtown Library, 500 Main St.
Albany Library, 1250 Albany Ave.
Barbour Library, 261 Barbour St.
Camp Field Library, 30 Campfield Ave.
Dwight Library, 7 New Park Ave.
Park Street Library at The Lyric, 603 Park St.
Ropkins Library, 1750 Main St.
North End Senior Center, 80 Coventry St.
South End Senior and Wellness Center, 830 Maple Ave.
Center Church, 60 Gold St. (enter on Lewis Street)
Pope Park Recreation Center, 30 Pope Park Drive
Parker Memorial Center, 2621 Main St.
Catholic Charities, 45 Wadsworth St.
Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance, 557-559 Albany Ave.
Mercy Friendship Center, 118 Main St.

The Hartford Fire Department is also distributing water throughout the city. Residents can call 211 for cooling center information. Hartford Public Library holiday closures and individual operating hours may affect availability during the week.

Waterbury

The city’s cooling center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at:

North End Recreation Center, 262 North Main St.

Residents can also cool off at:

Outdoor pools

Hamilton Park Pool
Washington Park Pool
Fulton Park Pool

Splash pads (open daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Town Plot Park
River Baldwin Park
Fairlawn Park
Washington Park
Curtin Park
East Mountain Park
Chase Park
Rivera Hughes Park
Waterville Park
Berkley Park
Hopeville Park
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Fulton Park
Bucks Hill Park
North End Recreation Center
Lower Murray Park
Hamilton Park

Pool reservations are required through Waterbury Parks and Recreation. Residents can also call 311 for additional information.

Middletown

Cooling centers include:

City Hall, 245 deKoven Drive
Middletown Police Department lobby, 222 Main St. (open 24 hours)
Middletown Senior Center, 61 Durant Terrace
Russell Library, 123 Broad St.
St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen, 617 Main St.

The Veterans Memorial Park splash pad is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The city is also operating fire hydrant sprinklers at designated times in:

The Highlands Crescent Drive bus stop
Maplewood Terrace
Summer Hill Road and Woodbury Circle
D’Addario Road
Pease Avenue
Santangelo Circle

Officials note that cooling centers may not provide food or beverages, so residents should check ahead before visiting.

Staying safe in the heat

State officials say infants and young children, adults 65 and older, people with chronic medical conditions and those who work outdoors face the greatest risk for heat-related illnesses.

To stay safe, officials recommend: