With Tuesday's air quality index, health officials say it's dangerous for babies, senior citizens and people with underlying health issues to spend too much time outdoors.

"I recommend everyone checks on elderly neighbors, parents, friends," says Beatrix Winter, the executive director of the Norwalk Senior Center. "They may not feel it's dangerous, but this is the kind of heat that really wipes people out, regardless of age."

The air is thick and loaded with ozone, experts say. Inside with air conditioning is safer.

Lillia Millard visited the climate-controlled senior center Tuesday after spending a hot, muggy Monday inside her own home -- without air conditioning.

"I had difficulty breathing," he says. "I couldn't eat."

The Norwalk Senior Center is one of the city's official cooling centers. Everyone is welcome.

Activities scheduled there for Tuesday and Wednesday include yoga and poker.