EXTREME HEAT PROTOCOL WILL GO INTO EFFECT ON WEDNESDAY AT 8:00 AM… 4-DAY HEAT WAVE EXPECTED…
EXTREME HEAT PROTOCOL WILL GO INTO EFFECT ON WEDNESDAY AT 8:00 AM…
4-DAY HEAT WAVE EXPECTED…
The Governor has implemented the Extreme Heat Protocol starting at 8:00 AM tomorrow morning. The protocol will remain in effect until 8:00 AM Sunday morning.
Hot and humid conditions are expected during the next 4 days with highs in the 90’s and the heat index ranging between 95 – 105 F (see graph to the right). In addition, overnight temperatures are not expected to fall below the mid 70’s. Some haze and smoke from the Canadian wildfires may also cause unhealthy air quality at times. Towns are encouraged to monitor vulnerable populations and consider opening cooling centers if needed.
In addition to the heat and humidity, there is also a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms today and a slight risk on Thursday. Scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon with a 5% chance that any thunderstorms will contain strong winds according to the Storm Prediction Center (SPC). More numerous thunderstorms are expected Thursday afternoon. The SPC is forecasting that any thunderstorms that develop Thursday afternoon will have a 15% chance of becoming severe with the main threat being strong winds and hail. Torrential downpours during the thunderstorms today and Thursday may cause some minor to moderate urban flooding. The heat and humidity are expected to subside on Sunday.
The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will continue to monitor weather conditions however this will be the only update on the heat wave unless the forecast changes.