The National Weather Service today issued an excessive heat warning for Westport and the tri-state area from noon Tuesday to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

A late afternoon advisory said the decision to elevate the alert from a watch to a warning was based on a forecast calling for high temperatures to climb into the mid 90s to near 100 degrees across the area Tuesday.

Combined with oppressively high humidity levels, this will result in heat indices climbing to between maximum levels of 105 to 110 degrees Tuesday afternoon, the advisory said. The highest heat indices are expected to occur between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

This dangerous heat wave will continue through Wednesday. High temperatures Wednesday will be similar to or even a degree or two hotter than Tuesday, climbing to the upper 90s to 102 degrees, the advisory said.

A visitor to Westport’s Compo Beach enjoys the sand today as others cool off in Long Island Sound. The temperature along the shore reached 85 today but the forecast called for temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday to be in the 90s. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Environmental Protection Agency today warned that air quality is expected to be unhealthy along the Connecticut coast Tuesday as the temperature soars close to 100.

The agencies said in an advisory that the area will experience elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone, commonly called smog.

The advisory said while anyone can be affected by ozone, groups particularly sensitive include children and adults who are active outdoors, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma. 

“Sensitive people who experience effects at lower ozone concentrations are likely to experience more serious effects at higher concentrations.  Still, even the healthiest people may find it difficult to breathe when ozone levels are very high,” the advisory said.

The Westport Center for Senior Activities will remain open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until 8 p.m. for anyone needing a place to cool off, town officials announced today.

Temperatures are expected to approach close to 100 degrees on those days, and the center is offering a cool environment to anyone in the community regardless of age without air conditioning.

The center is located at 21 Imperial Ave. For more information, call (203) 341-5099.

A state-funded renters’ rebate program is available for those who are elderly or totally disabled through the Westport Human Services Department.

Deadline for applying is Sept. 15.

“Persons renting an apartment or room, living in cooperative housing, or a mobile home may be eligible for the program,” said Human Services Director Barbara Butler.

The rebate can be up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single persons. 

Boats float on the water off of Westport’s Longshore Club Park Sunday evening after the end of a hot day. More heat is on the way this week with temperatures predicted to climb close to 100 degrees. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Hamilton Laux for WestportNow.com

9 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion – “Anchorman”

The National Weather Service today issued an excessive heat watch for Westport and the tri-state area in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.

High temperatures are expected to climb to the mid to upper 90s across the lower Hudson Valley, western and central Long Island, and much of southern Connecticut Tuesday and again on Wednesday, an advisory said.

Combined with rather high humidity levels, this will result in heat indices climbing to between 105 and 110 degrees each afternoon.

An excessive heat watch means that a prolonged period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible.

Members of Westport’s Staples High School class of 1966 wound up their 40th anniversary reunion weekend today with a picnic at Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com