Extreme Heat Watch in Effect
An Extreme Heat Watch, an alert issued when conditions may become dangerously hot, is in effect for Northern New London, a Connecticut forecast area, Southern Middlesex, Southern New London, Northwest Suffolk, Northeast Suffolk, Southwest Suffolk, Southeast Suffolk, Northern Nassau, and Southern Nassau.2 The watch runs from June 30 through July 4 at 9, issued by Upton, New York, the National Weather Service office serving the area.2
How Hot Will It Get
Heat index values, which show how hot the air feels when humidity is included, could reach up to 112 degrees during the watch period, making outdoor exposure more dangerous even when the air temperature is lower.1 On Wednesday alone, an Extreme Heat Warning, an alert issued when dangerous heat is occurring or imminent, is in effect from noon to 9, because heat index values between 105 and 110 are expected.1
At Stony Brook University on Long Island, heat indices are projected to reach up to 107 degrees by Friday, peaking between noon and 8 daily.7 The dangerous conditions are expected to stretch from Wednesday through Saturday.7
Regional Scope
The watch covers all of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and the entire lower Hudson Valley in southeastern New York, with heat index values likely hitting 100 or above each day.10 Portions of southern Connecticut and northeast New Jersey are also under alert.1
New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged residents to take precautions ahead of what could be the first heat wave of the season.12 Inland areas may begin feeling the brunt as early as Tuesday, with highs pushing into the 90s.12
Safety Guidance
Stony Brook University's Office of Emergency Management advised staying hydrated and limiting outdoor activities.7 Campus workers are urged to take frequent shade breaks during peak heat hours.7
Heat indices in excess of 90 degrees are possible even in areas where conditions currently feel cool.5 The dangerous heat and humidity combination makes outdoor exposure especially risky during midday hours.7
What to Watch Next
Forecasters warn this could be a highly dangerous heat event running through the July 4th holiday weekend, with forecast highs in the 100 to 108 degree range from Wednesday through the Fourth.6 Conditions are expected to remain dangerous through Saturday evening.2
Monitor local alerts closely as the watch could be upgraded to a warning for additional zones. Check the forecast for your city at PrestoWeather, a website providing local weather forecasts, for the latest conditions in your area.