Oppressive Jobs During A Heat Wave

Will Greene has been paving for 32 years. He started on driveways, learning the work at age 12, when his father owned an asphalt company. His grandfather also did the same work.

On Monday, Greene, who works for American Industries, paved a portion of Groton Long Point Road.

"You get used to it," he said of the heat. "But after awhile, everybody has gets their share of down days.'

He's usually handles it well, although he passed out on a job before, paving near Route 3 in Rhode Island.

"It was in the 90s. I got dizzy, couldn't walk anymore. You learn your limit," he said.

The U.S. Department of Commerce and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration says outdoor workers may be at risk during a heat wave. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends drinking plenty of fluid, resting in the shade, taking breaks and watching co-workers for signs of exhaustion.

The oppressive heat is expected to get worse this week. The National Weather Service forecast for Groton through Saturday is listed below:

Tuesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 86. North wind 6 to 9 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Light north wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming south between 8 and 11 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. Southwest wind around 11 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 88.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

Saturday Night: A chance of thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 30%.