WESTPORT — A sizzling heat wave, fueled by temperatures that could reach as high as 100 degrees, is forecast to grip the region through the weekend

Prompted by the National Weather Service warning of hazardous weather conditions for most of the week, Westport’s emergency management team Tuesday urged people to take precautions.

The state’s “Extreme Hot Weather Protocol” also will take effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday through 8 a.m. Sunday at the direction of Gov. Ned Lamont. The protocol coordinates a response to dangerous weather between state agencies, municipalities and other partners; information is available by calling “2-1-1.”

Daytime high temperatures from Wednesday through Sunday are expected to register between the mid-90s and 100 degrees, and accompanied by high humidity, the heat index Friday may feel as though it’s 105 degrees, according to the NWS.

Air quality also is expected to suffer as the region swelters under the heat dome. For hourly updates on Westport’s air quality, check the “AirNow” website.

Cooling centers in Westport are open for people to take refuge from the heat, including:

Westport Center for Senior Activities, 21 Imperial Ave. — Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday.

MoCA Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike — Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road — Tuesday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.

Westport Weston Family YMCA, 14 Allen Raymond Lane — Tuesday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Westport Museum for History and Culture, 25 Avery Place — Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.

 “As the temperature increases over the next few days, it’s important for everyone to take necessary precautions, especially for the elderly, the very young, and people with respiratory ailments who are more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures,” Deputy Fire Chief Nicholas Marsan, the town’s emergency management director, said in a statement.

The emergency management team, noting that although anyone can be overcome by the heat, warns that some people are at greater risk and offered the following advice:

• Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
• People 65 years old and over may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
• People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
• People who over exert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
• People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Tips to avoid serious health consequences from the heat wave include:

• Stay hydrated; drink fluids before feeling thirsty and avoid alcohol and liquids with a high sugar content.
• Avoid direct sunlight when possible.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

• Air-conditioned accommodations are preferable to relying on a fan during periods of extremely high temperatures and poor air quality.