Heat brings advisories, early school dismissals
August has been fourth hottest on record so far
The forecast of temperatures in the 90s and high humidity Wednesday and Thursday triggered a heat advisory in parts of Connecticut and early dismissals at some schools, including those in East Hartford.
The stretch of the blazing sun and high temperatures marks the third heat wave this year, Gary Lessor, chief meteorologist at Western Connecticut State University, said. There’s been over 20 days above 90 degrees, he added, but this year’s heat is “not even close” to being record-breaking.
“Everybody forgets that last year we had 39 [days of ] 90-plus [temperatures],” Lessor said. “This year we had more rain. This year we’ve had the second-wettest combination of July and August on record. We had the third-hottest July on record, so far we’re fourth for August. Some of the models are saying we could see another half inch to an inch [of rain] this weekend, which of course is going to knock the temperatures down.”
East Hartford schools will be on a half-day schedule through the end of the week, according to an alert posted on the school system’s website. The notification cites the heat index, which indicates how much hotter it will feel because of humid weather.
A heat advisory is in effect in Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven and Fairfield counties on Wednesday and Thursday, the National Weather Service says. The advisories go into effect at noon and end at 8 p.m. each day.
The heat index will be in the upper 90s to 100 on Thursday.
Last year was the hottest year to date, with Connecticut averaging a temperature of 74.5 degrees during the summer. This year is the 10th-warmest year, with an average temperature of 73.2, Lessor said.
Hartford announced the opening of cooling centers to keep people out of the heat. Water also will be distributed at the cooling
centers, which will be open through the end of the week.
Cooling centers are being set up at:
The main library in downtown Hartford, 500 Main St., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday-friday.
The library’s Barbour branch, 261 Barbour St., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday.
Dwight branch, 7 New Park Ave., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday.
Camp Field branch, 30 Campfield Ave., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday.
Albany branch, 1250 Albany Ave, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday.
North End Senior Center, 80 Coventry St., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-friday.
South End Senior and Wellness
Center, 830 Maple Ave., 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wednesday-friday.
“Residents are encouraged to hydrate regularly, before they feel thirsty, and check on seniors and other neighbors who may be affected by the heat,” city officials said.
Friday may be slightly cooler, with a high in the mid-to upper 80s, and there is a chance of showers as the work week wraps up.
The weekend is expected to be partly sunny and much cooler, with highs only in the 70s.