via Rhode Island DEM

Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Wednesday, July 30, the 211th day of 2025. There are 154 days left in the year.

🚨 You need to know

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has issued an air quality alert for Wednesday, warning that ozone levels will reach unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups in Washington and Newport counties.

The alert, which affects southern portions of Rhode Island at the immediate coastline, forecasts peak ozone levels beginning in the early afternoon and continuing well into the evening.

“Unhealthy ozone levels may cause throat irritation, coughing, and chest pain,” according to DEM officials. The elevated levels can also lead to shortness of breath, increased risk of respiratory infections, and worsening of asthma and other lung conditions.

Children, elderly residents, and those with pre-existing respiratory issues face particular risk during the alert period.

Fine particles also remain elevated at moderate readings due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, compounding air quality concerns.

Health officials recommend residents reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor activities and take frequent breaks when outside. Those planning outdoor exercise should schedule activities for morning hours when ozone levels are typically at their lowest.

People with asthma or other lung conditions should follow their action plans and carry quick-relief medications. Residents should monitor for symptoms including coughing or shortness of breath.

Air quality conditions are expected to improve Thursday with the arrival of cooler temperatures.

Real-time air quality updates and forecasts are available through the AirNOW app or at www.airnow.gov. DEM’s air quality forecast page at www.dem.ri.gov/airquality also provides current conditions.

The alert affects only Washington and Newport counties, with other areas of the state expected to maintain acceptable air quality levels.

via DEM

Here’s what else you should know

🎶 Maren Morris, renowned American singer-songwriter who won a Grammy in 2017 for Best Country Solo Performance, electrified the Newport Folk Festival stages this past weekend.  Morris spoke with What’sUpNewp before her Sunday set.

🏥 The Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center at Newport Hospital will not close in the upcoming fiscal year, but “its long-term future will be evaluated over the next year.”

🎥 The JPT will showcase Newport’s starring role in Hollywood productions with a week-long “Made in Newport” film series running from August 2 to 7.

🗓️ On tap this weekend and weekend: Newport Jazz Festival, The Big Lebowski Party, Made in Newport Film Series, and more. Get the full rundown here.

📰 The Latest from What’sUpNewp

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📈 Yesterday’s most-read

The following were yesterday’s most-read What’sUpNewp articles.

  1. What Sold: Newport County sees 17 homes trade hands last week as market activity remains consistent
  2. Obituary: John Beckman Lawton, III.
  3. Tony and Emmy winner Christine Baranski to discuss ‘The Gilded Age’ at The Elms
  4. Obituary: Theresa Silvia
  5. Things to do in Newport County this week and weekend: July 28 – Aug. 3
  6. Obituary: Patricia Wayland
  7. Newport’s Callahan dominates Long Beach regatta, eyes 2028 Olympics
  8. Obituary: Domonick Knight
  9. Newport Hospital Birthing Center spared closure for now, rally still planned tonight
  10. Obituary: Aaliyah Hightower

📅 What’s Up Today

Weather Forecast

  • Heat Advisory until July 30, 08:00 PM EDT
  • Air Quality Alert
  • Today: Sunny, with a high near 84. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
  • Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.
  • Tomorrow: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Northeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sun, Moon & Tide

  • Sunrise at 5:38 am. Sunset at 8:03 pm. 14 hours & 25 minutes of sun.
  • High tide at 12:14 am & 12:46 pm. Low tide at 5:28 am & 6:03 pm.
  • The lunar phase is a Waxing Crescent.
  • The coastal water temperature is 70 degrees.

Things To Do

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Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...