Cooling centers open in Hartford

Because of the heat and humidity expected today, the City of Hartford is issuing a health advisory and opening cooling centers today.

The Heat Index, a combination of temperature and humidity, was already into the 80s in some towns before 6:00 a.m.

There are eight cooling centers opening across the city tarting at 10:00 a.m. this morning.

• Parker Memorial Community Center - 10:00am to 8:00pm
• Pope Park Recreation Center - 10:00am to 8:00pm
• Metzner Center - 10:00am to 5:00pm
• North End Senior Center - 10:00am to 5:00pm
• South End Senior Wellness Center - 10:00am to 5:00pm
• Parkville Senior Center - 10:00am to 5:00pm
• Hispanic Senior Center - 10:00am to 5:00pm
• The Hispanic Health Council - 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Many people have found another place to go. The beach was packed yesterday. We're told in some spots beaches were busier than the 4th of July weekend. On Sunday, many state parks and beaches were at full capacity and several had to stop admitting people.

The water temperature is above 70 degrees so a lot of people were enjoying a swim and the breeze coming in off the sound.

Keep in mind how serious this high heat and humidity can be. Do not leave kids or pets in locked cars. That can heat up very quickly.

If you feel over-heated yourself, get some help. Heat stroke is the number one weather-related killer, with 700 deaths per year according to the CDC.