Westport Emergency Management is urging residents to take immediate precautions as a 4-day heat wave, severe thunderstorm threat, and coastal air quality alert converge on the region beginning today. Governor Ned Lamont has activated Connecticut's Extreme Hot Weather Protocol, effective Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM and continuing through Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
Temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees each day through Sunday, meeting the National Weather Service (NWS) definition of a heat wave. Heat index values — the "feels like" temperature accounting for humidity — will reach the upper 90s to low 100s today and Friday, with isolated readings up to 105 degrees possible. Conditions will be most severe between noon and 6:00 PM each day, with Friday expected to be the peak of the event. A slightly cooler and drier airmass may provide some relief Saturday and Sunday, though dangerous heat will persist throughout the weekend.
A NWS Heat Advisory is in effect from noon today through 8:00 PM Friday for most of Connecticut, with extensions expected as the heat wave continues through the weekend. An Air Quality Alert is also in effect today for the Connecticut coast, including Westport. Residents with respiratory conditions or sensitivities should avoid outdoor exertion.
"The forecast ahead is serious," said Chief Nicholas Marsan, Westport's Emergency Management Director. "The state's protocol is a proactive measure to protect those most vulnerable to extreme heat. In Westport, we've activated cooling centers and are monitoring conditions closely. Please check in on neighbors, limit outdoor activity, and use available resources if you need relief from the heat."
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AND FLASH FLOOD THREAT — TODAY AND FRIDAY
In addition to the heat, isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible both today and Friday afternoon and evening, mainly between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Western Connecticut, including the Westport area, is in the Slight Risk category for severe thunderstorms on both days. Hazards include damaging winds in excess of 58 mph, large hail up to 1 inch, heavy downpours with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, localized flash flooding with a 20% chance of urban flooding, and lightning. Plan outdoor activities for the morning hours and be prepared to move indoors quickly. Monitor NWS alerts at weather.gov and follow Westport Emergency Management for real-time updates.
WESTPORT COOLING CENTERS
- Westport Center for Senior Activities (21 Imperial Ave) — Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; closed weekends
- MoCa Westport (19 Newtown Tpke) — Mon–Wed 10 AM–3 PM; Thurs 12 PM–8 PM
- The Westport Library (20 Jesup Rd) — Mon–Thurs 9 AM–9 PM; Fri–Sat 9 AM–5 PM; Sun 1–5 PM
- Westport Weston Family YMCA (14 Allen Raymond Lane) — Mon–Fri 5:30 AM–9 PM; Sat–Sun 7 AM–6 PM
- Westport Museum for History and Culture (25 Avery Pl) — Tues–Sat 11 AM–5 PM; closed Sun & Mon
Need help or transportation? Call 2‑1‑1 or visit www.211ct.org.
HEAT SAFETY TIPS
Stay in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible; do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling method. Drink at least 2 to 4 cups of water per hour if working or exercising outdoors — do not wait until you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol and sugary beverages. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and avoid direct sunlight. Take cool showers or baths. Check on elderly neighbors, young children, and those with chronic medical conditions several times a day. Never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles — temperatures can reach life-threatening levels within minutes. Pets kept outdoors must have access to fresh water and shade at all times.
WHO IS MOST AT RISK
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, those at greatest risk include adults 65 and older, infants and young children, people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, those taking medications for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, and individuals who work or exercise outdoors.
Cooling Centers
