EAST HARDWICK – The first week of astronomical summer featured high temperatures in the 70s, with abundant sunshine. Temperatures broke 80 degrees as we wrapped up the weekend. A few showers were mixed in, with about half an inch of accumulation over the course of the week.
in East Hardwick last week.
photo by Shawn Ainsworth
Temperatures continue to moderate as we open this forecast period. This is from a ridge slowly building eastward, causing a gentle southerly flow and bringing temperatures into the upper 80s and low 90s. This, combined with dewpoints in the upper 60s to low 70s, will bring record-breaking heat and dangerous heat index values when combined with high relative humidities. Heat index values today could push the upper 90s, then rising to over 100 degrees by Thursday. Some passing showers later Thursday may make Friday a slightly cooler day, but heat indices in the 90s remain likely.
While sun will be present every day during the forecast period, each day from Wednesday through Saturday will feature afternoon shower and thunderstorm chances lasting into the predawn hours of the following morning, thanks to embedded disturbances running along the ridge. By Saturday evening, a frontal boundary sinking south through the region will bring additional relief from the heat.
Remember to limit outdoor activities during the peak of the heat, stay hydrated, and consider the environment you will be spending time in during the heat wave. Cooling shelters may open locally during the height of the event.
As we move through the week, records may be broken at the Montpelier observation station, which is one of our nearest long-term record stations. The record high for today is 92, which was previously set in 2018. This was the same year a 90-degree high was set in Montpelier on July 2. A 91-degree high was set in 2002 in the capital city. Here are the forecast details:
Wednesday: Partly sunny. Scattered showers and thunderstorms early morning and late afternoon. Some thunderstorms may be strong with heavy downpours. High: 92. Heat index as high as 99. Low: 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny through the afternoon. Partly sunny with showers and thunderstorms likely in the evening. High: 94. Heat index as high as 102. Low: 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Mostly sunny. Scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. High: 90. Heat index as high as 95. Low: 66. Light and variable wind.
Saturday: Partly sunny. Showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. High: 84. Low: 63. Light and variable wind.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. High: 84. Low: 62. Calm wind.
Tyler is our weather reporter and a community journalist. He works as a nurse and EMT, volunteers with Hardwick Rescue and helps to train new EMTs.
