As the temperature continued to climb to 90 degrees — making it a heat wave — the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory Thursday morning.
The heat advisory is in effect for northern Connecticut from midday to afternoon, the Taunton-Mass.-based service said in an alert about 10:15 a.m.
A heat advisory means that the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible, the service said.
“Take extra precautions, especially if you work or spend time outside,” the alert said. “When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Wear light weight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.”
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments, the weather service said. “Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, call 9 1 1.”
The heat wave, at least three days of temperatures at or above 90, is sticking around until at least Thursday. The heat and humidity will persist before giving way to a nearly perfect forecast on Saturday.
“This will be an official heat wave” Thursday, Fox 61 meteorologist Dan Amarante said Wednesday night. “Those temperatures are again going to go up to 90.”
It has prompted some towns to open up cooling centers. New Haven has also extended its hours of operation for many of the popular cooling-off spots, like Lighthouse Point Park.
The average temperature for July ranges in the mid 80s, and although the last few day’s temperatures have surpassed that, the heat could be much worse.
According to the National Weather Service, the record highs for July 18 to 20 all include temperatures at or above 100.
Although the humidity was uncomfortable and in the “tropical range” on Wednesday, it will get better with dew points coming down to the 60s on Thursday, Amarante said. There is also a possibility for some spotty rain Thursday into Friday but nearly the entire state will stay dry.
Isolated showers and thunderstorms are most likely to happen between 1 and 5 p.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service said.
On Friday, temperatures are forecast to be in the high 80s and low 90s with similar humidity levels but it all paves the way for a nearly perfect Saturday.
“Low humidity, beautiful sunshine, just a great day,” Amarante said. “All in all it’s a classic summertime thing. Feeling like July and looking like July.”
