As Residents Continue To Swelter, Risks Spike During Heat Wave

It’s going to be another scorcher.

According to Tim Morrin, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Upton, Wednesday’s forecast is similar to Tuesday’s — and it’s only going to get worse.

Highs on Wednesday are expected to reach 93 degrees, with a higher relative humidity than seen earlier in the week.

Still no heat adivsory has been issued. “We don’t feel we will reach the criteria,” Morrin said.

A heat advisory is issued when apparent temperatures — a combination of the temperature and relative humidity — makes it feel as though it is 100 degrees, for two consecutive hours.

The heat index on Wednesday is expected to rise through the 90s throughout the day, Morrin said.

Although no heat advisory has been issued, Morrin said, “That doesn’t mean folks can let their guard down.”

To stay safe, residents should remain in air-conditioning, wear loose fitting clothing and light colors, and remain hydrated.

“You could still get in trouble during longer periods of time outdoors, especially if you are exerting yourself,” Morrin said.

Dangers arise during a heat wave, Morrin said, because the human body never has a chance to cool itself. Nighttime temps have not dropped lower than the 70s for days, he said.

The concern rests with the elderly and those with compromised health or cardiopulmonary issues, Morrin said.

Heat waves can prove deadly, he added.

“Heat related deaths ramp up exponentially, the longer a heat wave goes on,” he said. Deaths also increase during heat waves that occur early in the season, before individuals have had a chance to get acclimated to blistering conditions.

And if it feels hot today, tomorrow’s only going to be worse, Morrin said.

Thursday’s heat index is expected to reach 100; a reassessment will be done to see if a heat advisory is needed.

“We’re seeing signs that this is getting worse as the week progresses,” Morrin said. “Even Friday, there is no reprieve,” with temps in the mid 90s and a heat index of over 100 degrees expected.

“The good news is that there’s an end in sight,” he said. A cold front is expected to move through the area Saturday and Sunday that will put an end to the heat wave and bring temperatures in the low 80s, with the possibility of showers and thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening.