MADISON, CT (WFSB) - <\/p>\n
State parks and beaches are expected to reach maximum capacity over the weekend, as temperatures are forecasted to reach 90 degrees and higher. <\/p>\n
With the Independence Day holiday next week, many travelers are already heading to beaches like Hammonnasset State Park in Madison. <\/p>\n
\"We do this every year,\" said David Rodriguez of East Hartford. \"It's a family tradition.\" <\/p>\n
This year, however, more are flocking toConnecticut beaches as temperatures are hitting record numbers. Connecticut has already had a heat wave in June, and a second one may be in progress. <\/p>\n
\"It's hot, but it's summertime, so it kind of comes with the territory,\" said Chris Randall, of New Haven, who was first in line at Hammonnasset State Park, early Saturday morning. \"Anything we can do for a little relief is good.\" <\/p>\n
Officials from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said theyare expectinghigh turnout at beaches along the Connecticut coast and at parks around the state. If this happens, officials said they would have to start turning people away. <\/p>\n
D.E.E.P. officials also expressed concern about high ozone levels, especially in coastal areas of Connecticut. People with asthma or other respiratory issues are being urged to avoid these areas until the risk isn't so high. <\/p>\n
In addition to health concerns relating to the high ozone levels, environmental officials are continuing to be cautious of high bacteria levels in the waters at state beaches in Connecticut. Several beaches were closed earlier in the week, as tests deemed the water unsafe for swimmers. <\/p>\n
Beachesat Rocky Neck in Niantic, Sherwood Island's East End in Westport, as well as Silver Sands in Milford and Kettletown in Southbury were closed for several days, before environmental tests returned on Thursday proved that water at theparkswas safe. The swimming area at Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth was also closed because of bacteria, but didn't open again until Friday. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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State beaches expected to reach maximum capacity this weekend<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" MADISON, CT (WFSB) - State parks and beaches are expected to reach maximum capacity over the weekend, as temperatures are forecasted to reach 90 degrees and higher. With the Independence Day holiday next week, many travelers are already heading to beaches like Hammonnasset State Park in Madison. Continue reading