Hey! Is It Hot Enough For Ya?

It's hot.

And it's getting hotter. The National Weather Service has extended the heat advisories through 8 p.m., Wednesday, and that triggered a new state law that makes it illegal to tie your dog up outside when a weather advisory is in effect.

It should go without saying that you should never leave children or pets in a hot car, but enough people still do this that it's worth saying it again. The heat will turn your car into an oven, even with the windows open. 

If the temperature is 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside a vehicle with the windows cracked will rise to 102 degrees in 10 minutes; in half an hour, it will reach 120 degrees. That's enough for a pet to suffer irreversible organ damage or die. Animals pant to cool off and when the weather is humid, this doesn't work well. 

If you see an animal in distress in a parked car or elsewhere, call the police. 

Always make sure your pet has plenty of water and keep walks short. Remember that asphalt and sand get really hot, so walk on grass whenever possible. Find additional tips for helping pets stay cool on the Humane Society's web site. 

For humans, the town is using the libraries and senior center as cooling centers if you find that you need some air conditioning.

• The Bill Library is open until 9 p.m. thru Thursday and 5 p.m., Friday.
• The Gales Ferry Library is open until 8 p.m. thru Thursday and 5 p.m., Friday.
• The Senior Center is open until 5 p.m. all week.

Here are some tips to follow:

• Slow down, and avoid strenuous activity.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature.
• Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. They can actually dehydrate your body.
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate sweat, which cools your body.
• Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned schools, libraries, theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities, such as cooling centers, that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.
• Cover windows that get morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.
• Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. If you are outside, use sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
• Do not leave pets outside for extended periods. Make sure pets have plenty of drinking water.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors regularly.

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.
• Thursday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. West wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
  
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
  
• Saturday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
• Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 82.
• Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.