Dangerous Heat Wave Begins Across Southern New England
BOSTON (CBS) – For many cities and towns, Wednesday will mark the first day of a four-day blistering heat wave.
In fact, the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for most of southern New England for the time period of Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon.
Check: Interactive Radar | Current Conditions | Weather Map Center
This is issued when dangerously hot temperatures are expected.
The combination of temperatures between 95-100 and very high humidity will create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible.
The Heat Index (a summer "feels like" temperature, combining the effects of temperatures and humidity) will likely exceed 105 degrees at times over the next few days.
Watch Melissa Mack's forecast:
The peak of this heat wave will certainly come on Thursday and Friday when highs will reach between 95-to-100 degrees for a large portion of southern New England.
RECORDS POSSIBLE?
Oddly enough, this will not be hot enough for a record!
Thursday's record is 102 degrees set back in 1997 and Friday's record is an even hotter 103 degrees set way back in 1926, our second hottest day ever recorded.
In case you are curious, the highest temperature ever recorded in Boston was 104 degrees on July 4th of 1911, that is one record we don't want to break!
This 3-to-4 day heat wave will be Boston's first since last August 29-September 2, a 5-day spell of temperatures ranging from 92 to 96 degrees.
BE CAREFUL
Don't take the heat lightly, the conditions on Thursday and Friday are very dangerous.
Here are some common heat precautions to follow:
- Avoid strenuous physical activity during the heat of the day
- Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun
- Stay in air conditioned environment as much as possible
- Check in on relatives and neighbors, especially the elderly
- Don't forget your pets, they all can be affected adversely by the heat
