Excessive Heat Watch Posted

The National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning for July 21 and 22, forecasting temperatures in the upper 90s and high dew points for northern Rhode Island, including Johnston.

That combination will result in a heat index of nearly 105 degrees, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency said in a press release posted on the agency's website on July 20, with the worst of the heat expected between noon and 8 p.m. each day.

"Excessive heat to this extent occurs infrequently in this area, and thus our population is somewhat more vulnerable than the populations in many other locations to our south and southwest," RIEMA spokesman Steve Kass said in the statement.

The Rhode Island Departments of Health and Elderly Affairs also issued a joint heat advisory, which included the following advice:

• Stay out of the direct sun. Seek shaded or air conditioned areas such as libraries or malls. In Johnston, and the are designated cooling centers. A regularly updated list of cooling centers around the state is available at the Department of Health Cooling Center web page or by calling 222-5960; RI Relay 711; 462-3000; or 462-4444.
• Whenever possible, schedule outdoor events (public gatherings, sporting events) early in the morning when it’s cooler and the air quality is better.
• Drink plenty of fluids. (Avoid alcohol and caffeine.)
• Wear light-colored, light-weight clothing. Use hats with brims and sunscreen for more protection.
• Elderly, small children and people with chronic health conditions are more vulnerable to the heat. Call and check on friends, family and neighbors.
• Anyone showing signs of heat stroke (altered mental state, not sweating, nausea) should seek medical attention immediately.