Temperatures in Rhode Island and southern New England have reached into the 90s and are forecast to climb to around 100 degrees on Tuesday, putting people living or working outdoors and those who are without access to air conditioning at high risk of heat-related health problems.
Heat waves in the U.S. in recent decades have increased in frequency, intensity and duration and are associated with health risks including heart and blood vessel problems, respiratory conditions and increased aggression and suicidality, according to a 2025 article in The New England Journal of Medicine The annual number of heat waves is now twice those of the 1980s, and the heat wave season is more than three times as long as it was in the 1960s, according to federal data.
Signs of heat-related illnesses – and who’s most at risk
Heat exposure combined with physical activity and other environmental factors can raise the body’s temperature, causing heat stress, meaning the body can’t cool itself and its core temperature rises and heart rate increases. The risk can be especially high for infants or young children, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions and those who are taking certain medications, such as diuretics, that interfere with their body temperature regulation and/or fluid balance.
Pets are also at risk, so make sure they have lots of clean, fresh water, shade and air-conditioned places to cool down.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion in people may come on suddenly or progress gradually, especially with prolonged exercise. Symptoms can include cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat; heavy sweating; faintness; dizziness; fatigue; weak, rapid pulse; low blood pressure upon standing; muscle cramps; nausea and headache.
People who live outdoors are also especially susceptible to heat-related illnesses. especially if they do not stay hydrated. That’s why the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness is asking local businesses and individuals to donate water bottles that they can distribute to people who are unhoused.
“We simply don’t have enough bottled water or supplies,” Kimberly Simmons, the coalition’s executive director, said in a statement. “Last summer, we tragically lost Rhode Islanders living outside due to extreme heat. We cannot let that happen again. These are our neighbors. They deserve safety, dignity, and relief.” (See below for details about how to donate.)
How to stay cool
Some basic precautions can greatly reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as staying well-hydrated by drinking water and electrolyte drinks and seeking refuge indoors in air-conditioning during the day. If you do not have access to air conditioning during the day, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency is advising residents to visit a local cooling center.
In Providence, cooling centers include:
- The Federal Hill House at 9 Courtland Street
- Emmanuel House at 239 Public Street
- Providence Rescue Mission at 627 Cranston Street
- Public library branches in Fox Point, Mount Pleasant, and Olneyville, as well the main branch on Empire Street
For more information about local cooling centers visit the state agency’s website riema.ri.gov, or contact your city or town government.
The City of New Bedford, Mass. also has opened cooling centers and is reminding residents that city parks have “splash pads” to provide children a break from the heat.
Helping those who live outdoors
Businesses or individuals interested in donating bottled water and other needed supplies can contact Lindsay Cutler at the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness by email to coordinate a donation time, or drop off donations at one of the coalition’s partner sites:
- OpenDoors (1139 Main Street, Pawtucket). Open 24/7.
- Crossroads Rhode Island (162 Broad St, Providence, RI). Open 24/7 for front desk drop-off. Please call ahead if the donation is a large supply (401-521-2255).
- Better Lives Rhode Island (12 Abbott Park Pl, Providence, RI). M-F 8:30 AM–4:30PM for drop off. Questions? Contact Paula Hudson (Phudson@betterlives.org or 401-454-7422)
In addition to bottled water, the coalition is also seeking donations of electrolyte drinks; Sunscreen (unopened, non-expired); portable, battery-powered fans and cooling towels.
