Gov. Lamont to activate state's extreme hot weather protocol starting Monday

From noon on Monday, and will be in effect through Wednesday at 8 PM

7/27/2025 | Governor Ned Lamont |

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is activating the state's extreme hot weather protocol this week.

The heat will return for the early part of this week with high temperatures in the low to mid 90s and feels like temps near 100 at times.

The state's extreme hot weather protocol will be activated starting at noon on Monday and will be in effect through at least Wednesday at 8 p.m.

The purpose of activating the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions. While in effect, a system is established for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1, ensuring that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide and providing a location for those in need of relief.

Are your pets safe?

Connecticut law prohibits tethering dogs outside during extreme weather and requires that they have adequate shelter. If you see a dog being tethered outside, please have your local ACO or police take immediate action: tell them that according to Connecticut General Statutes 22-350a, dogs cannot be tethered outside during extreme weather for a duration longer than 15 minutes.

Adequate Shelter means a structure that the shelter provides natural or artificial light during daylight hours; offers space adequate for a dog to sit, lie down and turn; is soundly constructed, maintained in good repair and free from accumulated animal waste, debris and moisture, including, but not limited to, standing water and mud, inside and near such shelter; permits a dog access to potable water at least twice in each twenty-four-hour period; during extreme heat outdoor weather environmental conditions provides shade and ventilation sufficient to permit a dog to maintain normal body temperature; is not located under exterior stairs or underneath or inside a motor vehicle; and if the floor of such structure is constructed using wire or metal chain links, such links are appropriately sized so that a dog's paws will not become caught in such links.

Summer tips:

• Never leave pets or children in parked cars – Even a few minutes can be deadly, even with windows cracked.

  • If a child or animal is in a hot car, remain calm and check for the owner.

    – Call 911.

    – Act to rescue the child or animal.

    – In Connecticut, reasonable actions to enter a vehicle are allowed.

    – Breaking a window for rescue is protected by Good Samaritan laws.

• Limit walks to early morning or evening when it’s cooler — hot pavement can burn paws!

• Watch for signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, weakness, or vomiting. If these signs appear, call the Vets ASAP!!!