Will CT break records this week? Here’s what to expect from the ‘dangerous’ heat wave

Connecticut’s first major heat wave of 2024 will bring dangerously hot conditions and possible record temperatures.

The entire state will be under an excessive heat watch starting at noon on Tuesday through noon on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

“Hot and humid conditions will combine to produce maximum heat index values approaching 100 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday,” the weather service’s New York office said.

The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the body when humidity is combined with the air temperature, according to the NWS.

The heat wave, accompanied by high humidity, will make it feel like 95 to 105 degrees or even hotter most of this week. This prolonged period of intense heat is expected to start Monday and could persist until Saturday, with the most intense heat hitting between Wednesday and Friday.

“The heat index is what makes it so extreme,” said Gary Lessor, chief meteorologist at the Western Connecticut State University Weather Center. “So if it is 99 degrees for a high and with a dew-point of 67, that’s a heat index between 100 and 105 for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. With those kind of temperatures, the human body is unable to cool off on its own.”

The record high temperatures for this same week in Connecticut are; 95 degrees in 1994 on June 18, 95 degrees in 1995 on June 19, 97 degrees in 2012 on June 20, and 96 degrees in 2012 on June 21, according to Lessor.

“It’s not unprecedented to have 90 degree weather in June, but it is a little bit early to have extended heat waves like this,” Lessor said. “In North and Central Connecticut we will have temperatures as high as 99 degrees. Other parts of the state will get to 94 through 96 inland. Along the immediate shoreline, we’re only talking mid-80s temperatures. So the shoreline is definitely the place to go this week, because it won’t be as extreme as inland and in the northern parts of the state.”

This year marks the first time the new HeatRisk tool will be used.

The tool, developed by the National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shows the risks of heat-related impacts from extreme heat. From Tuesday through Saturday, most of Connecticut will be in the highest HeatRisk categories, showing the potential risks this heat wave may bring to the region.

Bracing for extreme heat, Gov. Ned Lamont has directed Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated from 12 p.m. on Tuesday through 12 p.m. on Sunday. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with the United Way’s 211 number to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available to anyone statewide.

“It’s looking like we are about to experience our first stretch of very hot conditions so far this year, and it’s going to last for nearly a week,” Lamont said. “Anyone who is vulnerable to heat and humidity is advised to take precautions. Cooling centers are open throughout Connecticut and can be located by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211ct.org.”

Health Hazards

Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough and people begin to exhibit symptoms, according to Dr. Cynthia Price, emergency medicine physician at Hartford HealthCare.

“These are not the days to go out and work in the yard or garden,” Price said. “Save that for the early morning or late evening, but not in the middle of the day.”

Price said that she sees a spike in hospital admittances and emergency room visits from heat-related illness during times of extreme heat. Populations most at risk include both young children and the elderly. Individuals with co-morbidity and those taking medication are also at risk for developing adverse health impacts from extreme heat.

“If you’re looking at the physical signs of extreme heat you going to start with heat cramps. You might feel a little queasy, having cramping or your legs get a little shaky. Often that then progresses to heat exhaustion. You start to sweat profusely and turn pale. You start to see nausea, dizziness and vomiting. That can then go on to something called heat stroke where you are unable to get yourself cooled down and can lead to fainting. This is when immediate medical care is needed.”

Price also said that staying hydrated and keeping cool are the most effective ways to fight the impacts of extreme heat. Some tips include not waitinig 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 and remind others to drink enough water.

“Just keep drinking water,” Price said. “Not beer, not energy drinks or iced coffee. Make water your hydration source for these hot days.”

The state’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is sharing tips to stay safe this week:

• 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.
• 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.

Utilities prepare for extreme heat

Eversource, Connecticut’s largest energy provider, said they are ready for the first heat wave of the year.

As air conditioners and fans cool down buildings, Eversource said customers in Connecticut use about 35% more electricity to keep cool.

While high electricity usage during a heat wave can put a strain on the electric system, the energy company said it is prepared to meet the increased demand and its crews are ready to respond to any outages or issues that may arise.

“Our crews are focused on working safely to ensure reliable electric service for our customers year-round, especially during these hot and humid days when many customers will have their fans and AC units running in full force,” said Steve Sullivan, Eversource president of Connecticut electric operations in a press release. “We begin preparing well in advance for the increased demand we typically see this time of year by conducting ground and aerial inspections of the electrical system so we can proactively detect and address any issues. As we all use more energy during the summer months, we also want to make sure our customers are aware of the simple steps they can take to help manage their usage and save money on their electric bills.”

Eversource said customers can do the following to manage their power usage:

• Keep air conditioners set as warm as comfort allows. For every degree higher on the thermostat, the air conditioner will use 1 to 3 percent less electricity.
• Don’t block air flow.
• Keep air vents and heat pump vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains, and rugs.
• Operate major appliances during the cooler parts of the day. Energy is conserved by using appliances that create heat, like clothes dryers and dishwashers, early in the morning or late in the evening. There is also less demand on the electric system during these times.
• Keep blinds closed to prevent unwanted direct sunlight from entering a home through windows. Using curtains, shades, and blinds can lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.
• Switch to ENERGY STAR® certified LED lights. The energy-efficient bulbs run cooler and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lights.
• Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and at a higher speed in the summer to circulate the air more effectively, creating a cooling, wind chill effect. Remember to turn the fan off when leaving the room.

Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com