Thunderstorms are possible both today and Wednesday as temperatures soar into the 90s, according to meteorologists.
The National Weather Service in Boston reports scattered thunderstorms could impact the state this afternoon and evening, particularly north and west of I-95.
“Wednesday a cold front will bring the chance for more widespread thunderstorms, some of which could again bring damaging winds,” the National Weather Service said.
Hazardous heat will blanket the region, with temperatures reaching the middle and upper 90s.
The region is under a heat advisory between 11 a.m. Tuesday morning until 8 p.m. Wednesday, with heat index values up to 96 expected.
The heat and combined humidity could cause heat-related illnesses, and residents are urged to drink plenty of fluids and stay in air conditioning. Strenuous outdoor activities should be limited to early morning or the evening, as heat exhaustion and heat stroke are risks, according to the National Weather Service.
Today, it will be sunny and hot, with highs near 97 in northern Connecticut.
Thunderstorms are possible, mainly before 7 p.m. today.
On Wednesday, the high temperatures are expected to be around 92 degrees, and the chance of thunderstorms increases, with the timing after 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
WFSB is calling both today and Wednesday a “First Alert Weather Day,” due to the high temperatures.
“The May 19th record high for the Hartford Area is 94 set in 1962, and we’re forecasting 95 degrees (Tuesday),” WFSB reports. “Along the shoreline, the Bridgeport record of 89 was set in 2017, this one may be close! Regardless, it will be the hottest day of the year so far.”
WFSB predicts thunderstorms are more likely on Wednesday, due to an approaching cold front in the afternoon.
“It will likely spark off scattered storms, some of which could be strong or even severe. The greatest concern in those that develop: heavy rain, a gusty wind, and frequent lightning,” WFSB reports.
Thursday and Friday are expected to be cooler and more pleasant, according to the National Weather Service, which is predicting daytime highs around 70 degrees. Showers are likely for Saturday through Memorial Day.
“Saturday has been trending wetter and wetter, and it looks like we’ll see some shower activity for at least part of the day. There’s also the potential for some of these showers to stick around into Sunday, but current model guidance suggests we dry out by Memorial Day itself,” WFSB reports.
Here are the forecast details for northern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:
Today: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Southwest wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday: A chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 92. Southwest wind 8 to 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night: Showers likely before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Northwest wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. North wind 3 to 5 mph.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 72. Light and variable wind.
Friday Night: A chance of showers after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. South wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Saturday: Showers likely, mainly after 7 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. Calm wind becoming southeast 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Memorial Day: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming north around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
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