Wednesday Marks Hottest Day of the Year So Far

Although just shy of record heat, Wednesday turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far.

The highest temperature recorded in the state was 95 degrees at Bradley International Airport, not quite hot enough to break the record of 96.

Temperatures drop to near 70 degrees tonight, but humidity will make the air feel like the mid-70s. Temperatures will climb again tomorrow and humidity will stick around.

Should tomorrow reach 90 degrees at Bradley, it will mark the first heat wave of the year. Earlier this July, we missed a heat wave when the third day topped out at 89 degrees.

Not only will it be hot tomorrow, but showers and thunderstorms are also in the forecast. Some of the storms can be strong to severe when they move through in the afternoon and early evening.

Several towns and cities have opened cooling centers, and Norwich Public Utilities has issued a power alert encouraging customers to conserve energy as temperatures stay in the 90s.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is warning of unhealthy air quality that could make breathing difficult for "sensitive groups," including elderly residents and children and adults with respiratory illnesses. Ozone pollution is expected in all of Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex and New London Counties today.

State officials recommend taking the following measures when air pollution levels are high:

  • Conserve electricity by setting air conditioners to 78 degrees.
  • "Wait 'til 8" to use energy intensive appliances like washing machines, dryers and dishwashers
  • Drive less by carpooling or using public transit
  • Telecommute if possible
  • Refuel your vehicle after dusk and never idle a vehicle unnecessarily.

Friday is a splendid end to the work week. Not only will the humidity be gone, but lots of sunshine is expected and it will still be very warm with temperatures well into the 80s.

A pattern change is responsible for the more comfortable conditions that arrive Friday and last several days. The jet stream will sink south and suppress the high heat and humidity to the southeastern United States.

A mix of sun and clouds is anticipated on Saturday. Given the nature of the upper-level flow, there can be an isolated storm later in the day. Temperatures will be in the upper-80s to near 90 degrees.

Sunday looks to be the pick of the weekend at this point, with mostly sunny conditions and temperatures again in the middle-80s to near 90 degrees.

If you are out enjoying the summer weather, send photos to us at shareit@nbcconnecticut.com

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