Heat index could top 100 across Connecticut

The heat index across Connecticut may surpass 100 degrees later this week, as the National Weather Service warns of a heat wave from Wednesday through Friday.

For Northern Connecticut, the agency reported “high confidence” in “oppressive heat and humidity,” those days, with the heat index, the temperature the air feels like with humidity factored in, ranging between 98 and 104 degrees. Southern Connecticut residents may see similar heat indexes ranging between the “mid 90s to lower 100s.” Further “heat advisories” may be issued over the next few days, added the service.

Gary Lessor, chief meteorologist at the Western Connecticut State University Weather Center, said there are about three weeks left of meteorological summer, during which 90-degree days could occur. The season ends Aug. 31.

“You have to keep in mind we really haven’t seen much heat this summer compared to previous summers,” he said. During 2020, “we set record numbers of 90-degree days. This year the numbers have been down dramatically.”

While the state may see high temperatures, “what’s going to be more disturbing is the humidity,” the meteorologist explained. High dew points in the low to mid-70s will cause temperatures to feel even hotter from Tuesday

to Friday. Residents may also see isolated showers or thunderstorms.

“As we get into the weekend, things will be cooling down and turning less humid,” he added. “In past years we were having one-week, 10-day heat waves. This is only a three-day heat wave.”

Never leave children, babies or pets in cars on high temperature days, the state Department of Public Health warned.

“Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes,” the department’s page on extreme heat conditions states. “Anyone left inside is at risk for serious heat-related illnesses or even death. Children who are left unattended in parked cars are at greatest risk for heat stroke, and possibly death.”

Lessor advised against bringing animals into a vehicle altogether.

“Not even [when] running to the store,” he said. “If the car gets too hot too fast, at these kind of temperatures, it’s only going to take seconds to kill them.”

Like the state health department, Lessor highlighted the importance of making a conscious effort to stay hydrated and remain in air-conditioned locations, as well as checking in on elderly neighbors and those who may not have air conditioning.