The state will experience dangerous heat starting today, with potential thunderstorms bringing a risk for flash flooding, according to meteorologists.
The National Weather Service predicts it will be hot and humid through at least Friday, with maximum heat indices reaching between 95 and 103 degrees. The hot and humid conditions may persist into Saturday, its forecasters said.
"Showers and thunderstorms are possible each afternoon and evening which may produce heavy downpours with a localized flash flood risk," the National Weather Service said.
A heat advisory is in effect for most of Connecticut from 11 a.m. Thursday until 8 p.m. Friday, and the combined heat and humidity could result in illness, meteorologists cautioned.
High temperatures will hover around 90 degrees today, with the humidity making it feel even hotter.
In Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties, heat index values of up to 99 degrees are expected. In Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties, heat index values of up to 103 are possible, the National Weather Service said.
The conditions will persist into Friday, when high temperatures will again be around 90 degrees. The National Weather Service also advises that a few thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening may produce locally heavy rain capable of causing localized flash flooding.
Residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air conditioning if possible, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors. If you work outside, take frequent breaks, the National Weather Service advises.
WFSB is calling today and Friday "First Alert Weather Days" due to the dangerous levels of heat and humidity, and "unsettled" conditions.
"During the afternoon, heat index values could reach 95-105, due to the oppressive/tropical-like levels of humidity," WFSB reports. "There's also a threat for a few afternoon/evening storms that could be on the stronger side."
Looking ahead to the weekend, the National Weather Service predicts high temperatures on Saturday and Sunday in the upper 80s. It predicts a chance for thunderstorms on Saturday, followed by a dry Sunday.
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Here are the forecast details for northern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:
Today: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Heat index values as high as 99. Southwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7 p.m. Patchy fog after 4 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog before 10 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 95. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Light south wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m., then a slight chance of showers between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Here are the forecast details for southern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Heat index values as high as 103. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 105. West wind 3 to 7 mph.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Light southwest wind.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 89.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 87.
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