Rhode Island's Air Quality Alert Extended For A Second Day

PROVIDENCE, RI — Oppressively hot, humid weather is expected to drag on for a third day in Rhode Island on Wednesday, prompting state health officials to extend the statewide Air Quality Alert for another day.

The Rhode Island Department of Health issues Air Quality alerts on particularly hot days, when ground-level ozone will reach unhealthy levels, especially in the afternoon and evening hours. The elderly, young children and anyone with an underlying respiratory condition such as asthma are the most at risk.

High ozone levels can cause throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, increased susceptibility to respiratory infection and aggravation of asthma and other respiratory ailments, the Rhode Island Department of Health warned.

To stay safe, residents are encouraged to limit strenuous activity and time outdoors, and spend time in air-conditioned spaces when possible.

Temperatures are expected to peak in the mid-90s Wednesday, with heat indices bringing feel-like temperatures considerably higher. A heat advisory remains in effect statewide until 7 p.m. Wednesday.

However, relief is on the way. Heavy rain, thunderstorms and patchy fog are expected to roll on Wednesday evening, bringing slightly lower temperatures ahead of another stormy day Thursday. By Friday, temperatures are expected to return to the low 70s, with more rain in the forecast heading into the weekend.