VERMONT – The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory Saturday, June 21 at 1:50 p.m., effective through Tuesday, June 24 at 8 p.m. Heat index values up to 102 are expected from 11 a.m. Monday to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Vermont’s Eastern Addison, Orange, Washington, Caledonia, Eastern Chittenden, Eastern Franklin, Lamoille, Eastern Rutland and Western Windsor Counties. An update at 7:59 Sunday, June 22 confirmed the advisory.
Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
In Greensboro, the Highland Center for the Arts will be open for those who may need to keep cool. A backup generator and space for up to 500 people to sleep will make it an emergency option in the event of a widespread power failure.
The Vermont Department of Health has a web page with a map showing cooling locations, a link with information about knowing the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses and tips on how to stay safe when it’s hot outside here: https://www.healthvermont.gov/environment/climate-health/hot-weather
The Town of Walden’s High Heat Warning for June 23 and 24 says: “If anyone needs a break from the heat, bring a lawn chair and a book to the Town Clerks’ office and you can sit in the air conditioning in the meeting room for some relief. The Walden Town Clerks’ office is behind the firehouse at 12 VT Route 215, West Danville, VT 05873.
The Town of Wolcott issued a high heat warning at https://wolcottvt.org/high-heat-warning/
A Sunday afternoon social media post by Michael Cerulli Billingsley said, “Don’t get trapped or hurt by the heat. We expect the first dangerous conditions of the summer this Monday, Tuesday (and potentially Wednesday).
“Plainfield’s Cooling Center at 18 High Street [in the] Town Hall Opera House, will be open for relief from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, and from 1 p.m. until when the temps drop on Wednesday. Bring a book, a project, your knitting (or your laptop or smartphone… with headphones, please) and come in to cool down. Feel free to hang out for a few hours.
“Dangerous heat means 90°F or hotter plus high humidity (which adds a “feels like” extra 5 to 10 degrees), making it hard for your body to cool itself. Stay indoors and go to a cool room if you feel dizzy, your face is red, your breathing and heart rate go up.
“Please call 911 if you feel like you’re going to pass out or feel chest pain.”
The National Weather Service offered the following instructions with its alert: Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
As of 12:30 a.m. Sunday, the towns of Hardwick, Cabot, Calais, Craftsbury, Greensboro, Marshfield, Stannard and Woodbury had not posted heat warnings or alerts on their websites.
