Operation Safe Summer – Hottest July 4th in Rhode Island – Ever

The next few days will be the hottest July 4th holiday – EVER – Feel like temps between 98 and 112 Thursday and Friday – with the 4th the very hottest.  

This will have many rethinking their plans – putting off those outdoor activities. Time to think ahead – that day is today – because after today we may not be able to think all that clear about what we really want to do – and what is safe to do.

The U.S. National Weather Service in Boston has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Rhode Island, effective from Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM through Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 8:00 PM.

This extreme heat warning includes all of southern New England except the Berkshires and south coasts of Massachusetts
and Rhode Island…where the watch extreme heat watch remains in place. This will be a prolonged and dangerous
heatwave with little relief at night!

Think Out of the Box!

Keep in mind that public buildings that are open are a good source of immediate cooling – such as libraries, city halls, police stations in a pinch – even a dash into the local supermarket – and mall.  An afternoon at the movies?  Time to look at an art exhibit? Think out of the box!

From RIDEM:

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) forecasts that air quality will reach UNHEALTHY levels for sensitive groups due to elevated ground-level ozone on Wednesday, July 1. The alert is being issued statewide.

Key Details:

• UNHEALHTY ozone levels for sensitive groups are expected across the entire state.
• Peak levels begin early afternoon, continuing into the evening.
• Fine particles are also expected to be elevated, reaching MODERATE.

Health Impacts: Unhealthy ozone levels may cause:

• Throat irritation, coughing, and chest pain.
• Shortness of breath and increased risk of respiratory infections.
• Worsening of asthma and other lung conditions- particularly for children, the elderly, and others with pre-existing respiratory issues.

Recommended Actions:

• Reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
• Take frequent breaks and choose less strenuous activities.
• Monitor for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.
• People with asthma or lung conditions should follow their action plans and carry quick-relief medications.
• Schedule outdoor activities in the morning when ozone levels are lowest and typically GOOD on the Air Quality index.

Air quality can change throughout the day. To stay informed, download the AirNOW app or visit www.airnow.gov for real-time updates and forecasts.

Additional information is also available on DEM’s air quality forecast page at www.dem.ri.gov/airquality.

Heat Wave Safety Tips

Providence

• Only certified service animals with documentation of status paperwork will be permitted inside cooling centers. No other pets will be allowed inside the facility.
• Free bottled water will be available at all cooling centers.

• Pools: Noon–7:00 p.m. (Extended Hours)
• Waterparks and Splash Pads: Noon–7:00 p.m. (Extended Hours)

• Waterparks and Splash Pads: Noon–5:00 p.m.

• 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM games will not be shown
• FanZone will open at 6 pm for the 8 pm match

• 3:00 PM game will not be shown
• FanZone will open at 6 pm and show matches at 7 pm and 11 pm

• 2:00 PM game will not be shown
• FanZone will open at 4 pm and show matches at 6 pm and 9:30 pm

• Schedule TBD

• Umbrellas for additional shade
• A 30′ x 60′ shade tent
• Six industrial misting fans
• Frozen cooling towels

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty; avoid drinks with caffeine.
• Limit your outdoor activities to the evening hours if possible.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing that is light in color; wear brimmed hats and sunscreen SPF 15 or higher.
• Use a buddy system when working outdoors and take frequent breaks to cool down.
• Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and people with special needs.
• Do not leave children or pets in cars.
• Do not open fire hydrants to cool down, it is against the law; report any open fire hydrant to the fire department.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related emergencies.

Even though some of the cities and towns won’t have obvious places to go – again, think out of the box – splash pads – Pawtucket, Johnston, Cranston and Providence have those known to us – cities may not list the obvious ones like these.

CRANSTON:

AAA on Cautions with Children in Cars

• Stop and look at the backseat before exiting a parked vehicle. Make it a habit to check the entire vehicle before locking the doors and walking away. Place personal items, like a purse or briefcase, in the back seat as another reminder to look before you lock. In some cases, a sticky note affixed to the steering wheel or a smartphone screen can help prevent a fatality.
• Ask childcare providers to immediately call if your child doesn’t show up for care as expected. Always seek confirmation that your child was removed from the vehicle safely by anyone transporting them that doesn’t typically do so, including spouses, grandparents, other family members and close friends.
• Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended for any length of time. Rolling windows down or parking in the shade does little to change the interior temperature of the vehicle.
• Lock your vehicle to prevent unsupervised access and a child getting trapped inside. Keep car keys away from children and teach them that the inside of a car should never be used as a play area.
• Act fast, call 911 and take action if you see a child alone in a locked car. A child in distress should be removed as quickly as possible.

PETS, TOO!

Statistics about pets dying in hot cars are not tracked as closely, but the American Veterinary Medical Association reports that every year, hundreds of pets die of heatstroke in parked vehicles. Exercise the same care with a pet as you would with a child.