Air Quality Alert, Excessive Heat Warning issued for Fall River area

It appears to be getting warmer. Not cooling off.

According to the National Weather Service, an Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for areas including the cities of Taunton, Brockton, Plymouth, Fall River, New Bedford, and Mattapoisett

The National Weather Service in Boston/Norton has issued an Excessive Heat Warning, which is in effect until 9 PM EDT Wednesday. The Heat Advisory is no longer in effect.

* HEAT INDEX VALUES…Up to 105 due to temperatures in the mid 90s, and dewpoints in the lower 70s.

* TIMING…This Afternoon and Wednesday.

* IMPACTS…The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure.

* LOCATION…southeastern Massachusetts.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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.

An Excessive Heat Warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sunshine, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

An Air Quality Alert has also been issued as Fall River is expected to have a 115 AQ Wednesday.