Air Quality Alert and Heat Advisory issued for Sunday

An Air Quality Action Day and a Heat Advisory has been issued for the area.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has issued an Air Quality Action Day for Ground Level Ozone, in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.

An Air Quality Action day means that Ground Level Ozone concentrations within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards. The Fall River area is expected to see a
120 AQI on Sunday.

Elevated levels of air pollution are expected in the area and this may cause health affects among sensitive people. Those most at risk are children, other active people, the elderly, and those with existing respiratory illnesses.

MassDEP has called an Action Day for poor air quality and recommends limiting strenuous activity, taking public transportation, or working at home, if possible.

The National Weather Service in Boston/Norton has issued a Heat Advisory, which is in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

* Location…Across the east slopes of the Berkshires, as well as northeast Connecticut, all of Rhode Island except Block Island and most of Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River Valley except the immediate east coast.

* Heat Index Values…Up to 104 due to temperatures in the upper 80s, and dewpoints in the lower 70s.

* Timing…During the peak heating hours on Sunday.

* Impacts…Heat indices of these values could lead to heat illnesses particularly to those most vulnerable.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are
possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sunshine, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Take extra precautions, if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, call 9 1 1.