Connecticut’s four-day heat wave begins today in parts of state

Temperatures fell just short of 90 degrees on Tuesday before showers and thunderstorms moved through the state during the late afternoon and early evening.

Rainfall totals through 6:30 p.m. were below an inch statewide.

There were some power outages.

High pressure should start the first of a four-day heat wave in parts of the state on Wednesday with highs in the 80s and low 90s, along with lots of sunshine.

Climate change leaves fingerprints on July heat waves around the globe, study says

Thursday will be partly sunny, breezy and hot before a trough of low pressure likely produces afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms.

“High temperatures will reach into the 90s on Thursday, and may approach 100 on Friday. There is a chance that the heat index may reach 105 on Friday,” the National Weather Service reported.

Swimming holes, water parks and ice cream: 6 ways to beat the heat in CT

Meanwhile. Gov. Ned Lamont has directed Connecticut’s extreme hot weather protocol to be activated effective at 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2023, to remain in effect through 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 30, 2023.

“The current forecast indicates that the heat index during this period will range at times between 95 to 105 degrees and have lingering impacts during the overnight hours, particularly in urban areas throughout Connecticut,” Lamont’s office said in a statement.

The protocol aims to ensure “the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions,” the statement said.

While in place, a system for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners coordinates with United Way 2-1-1 to ensure information on cooling centers is available statewide, “providing a location to get some relief.”

“We’ve experienced a pretty warm summer so far, but it’s expected to get particularly hot this week, including during the evening hours,” Lamont said. “Cooling centers are open throughout Connecticut and can be located by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211ct.org.”

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:

• Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
• People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
• People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
• People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
• People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:

• Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
• Find an air-conditioned shelter. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths.
  Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
• Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
• Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.
• Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods extreme heat. Because bodies lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common while experiencing very high temperatures.

Other tips:

Drink more water than usual.
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
Remind others to drink enough water.

A heat wave is expected Wednesday through Friday with the heat index in the low to mid-90s on Wednesday, and then between 95 and 100 degrees Thursday and Friday.