Heat and humidity set to return with issued Heat Advisory

We may have gotten a break from it the last few days, but the heat and humidity are returning the next few days.

The National Weather Service in Boston/Norton has issued a Heat Advisory, which is in effect from noon Monday to 6 PM EDT Tuesday.

The Heat Advisory includes the cities of Hartford, Windsor Locks, Union, Vernon, Putnam, Willimantic, Greenfield, Orange, Barre, Fitchburg, Framingham, Lowell, Lawrence, Amherst, Northampton, Springfield, Milford, Worcester, Foxborough, Norwood, Cambridge, Taunton, Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, Mattapoisett, Ayer, Foster, Smithfield, Providence, Coventry, West Greenwich, East Greenwich, Warwick, West Warwick, Bristol, Narragansett, Westerly, and Newport.

* HEAT INDEX VALUES…High temperatures in the lower 90s will result in afternoon heat index values between 95 and 100 degrees.

* TIMING…Between noon and 6 pm on both Monday and Tuesday afternoons.

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

* LOCATION…Most of southern New England where afternoon heat index values are expected to reach or exceed 95 degrees on both Monday and Tuesday afternoons. The immediate eastern MA coast is not included in the advisory…since a backdoor cold front will bring somewhat lower temperatures on Tuesday.

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.