PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Hot, humid and unhealthy weather is expected in Rhode Island, and residents are being urged to take advantage of cooling centers opening across the state.

Rhode Island environmental officials issued an air quality alert for Tuesday because of a humid air mass moving in. The state Department of Environmental Management says it expects that air quality will reach unhealthy levels across the entire state in the afternoon.

The state emergency management agency says cooling centers will operate in many cities and towns, including Providence, East Providence, Coventry, North Kingstown and Woonsocket, among others.

Some centers have already scheduled hours for Wednesday, as high temperatures are expected to stick around for a few days.