Most likely accompanied by bad air, fire risk
By Will Collette
For several days, the National Weather Service has been warning of a heat dome effect that will cover much of the northeastern US over the Fourth of July weekend.
It's coming, starting tomorrow, and according to this morning's extended forecast, it will extend through and beyond the 4th without a break at least until Monday. Heat index numbers will likely be alarming.
Usually, with heat like this, our air quality drops due to auto-driven ground level ozone as well as particulate pollution. This morning's forecast shows that air quality tomorrow and Wednesday will be, at best, "moderate," though that could change to "unhealthy."
With little rain in the forecast, expect an elevated wildfire risk. According to Gov. McKee, Rhode Island is in a state of drought. Add campfire, outdoor cookouts and illegal fireworks.
Thank you in advance to our local fire fighters for protecting us.
Show them some respect and consideration by NOT using illegal fireworks and being extra careful if you are cooking outside.
Besides bad air, be careful of heat stroke and exhaustion. Stay hydrated.
The UV index will probably be very high, too.
Enjoy the 4th! Just be careful out there.
