Governor Lamont Activates Extreme Hot Weather Protocol for the Coming Week

Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated effective at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, and remain in effect through at least 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont on announced on August 8th that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience another stretch of severely hot and humid conditions over the coming week, he is directing the state’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated effective at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, and remain in effect through at least 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

During this period, heat index values are expected to exceed 100 degrees, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday.

This is the fourth time the protocol has been activated so far this year. The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location for those in need of relief.

Cooling centers will be available throughout the state. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by viewing the list that will be published online at 211ct.org or calling 2-1-1.

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!!!