May Day: Saturday, Sunday will bring dangerous heat to Greater Rochester area

CONCORD - The National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, issued a Heat Advisory for parts of New Hampshire, including the Greater Rochester area, from noon on Saturday till 8 p.m. Sunday.

According to Accuweather, the highs in Rochester on Saturday will be around 94, with a heat index that makes it feel like 96.

This is the first time NWS has had to issue a Heat Advisory in May.

Overnight lows on Saturday will be just 67 and 61 on Sunday.

Cooler temps will arrive on Monday with highs in the mid-70s and below 70 the rest of the week.

The Department of Safety's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management urges residents and visitors to take action now before the two-day heat wave arrives tomorrow.

"Take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family, including your pets, from heat-related illness," said Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Jennifer Harper. "During extreme heat, stay hydrated and take extra precautions, such as frequent breaks, if you work or spend time outside."

City officials said Rochester City Hall and the Public Library will be open for cooling during regular business hours.

Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. Young children and infants, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women are at highest risk for heat-related illness.

Harper offers the following safety tips:

• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

• Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.

• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

• Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power during periods of extreme heat. Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.

• Sign up for NH Alerts to receive emergency information via your mobile and landline phones, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from HSEM.

• Check the weather and listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service.

If you must go outside:

• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.

• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun's rays.

• Protect your face and head by wearing sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat.

• Limit exposure to the sun.

This story will be updated.