Heat Advisory Issued For New Hampshire

GRAY, ME — National Weather Service forecasters have issued a hazardous weather outlook concerning heat and humidity for Tuesday through 8 p.m. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s but it will feel even hotter due to increased humidity and heat indexes reaching 95 to 100. The advisory covers the entire state.

"The combination of heat and humidity will make it more difficult for the human body to regulate its temperature," the NWS said. "Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are possible for those spending significant amounts of time exposed to the heat."

Heat advisories are issued when there is a period of hot temps expected combined with high humidity which can create an atmosphere where "heat illnesses" are possible. Forecasters advise anyone working or playing outside to stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors, especially older adults that live alone.

"When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning," the alert stated. "Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water."

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services declared today to be an "air quality action day" in Rockingham County. Officials expect air pollution concentrations to reach "unhealthy levels for sensitive individuals" along the coast, including Hampton, North Hampton, and Portsmouth.

"NHDES forecasts unhealthy concentrations of ground-level ozone (the main component of smog) for sensitive individuals in the above-mentioned region," stated Jim Martin, a public information officer with the department. "Additionally, moderate levels of fine particle pollution are expected statewide during this period. The predicted unhealthy air quality comes from the persistence of high temperatures under sunny skies. In addition, winds transport pollutant emissions into New Hampshire from surrounding areas which, in turn, can combine with local emissions."

Air is expected to be clearer Wednesday along the seacoast as lower temperatures and cloudier skies move into the region. Those cloudier skies are should bring showers and thunderstorms to some parts of the state, with heavy downpours. These showers should lower the heat index but temperatures are still expected to be in mid-80s.

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