Vermonters, brace yourself for a sweltering week.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, the first heat wave of the year will hit Vermont starting at noon on Tuesday, June 18 and lasting until about 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 20.
“The pleasant weekend we experienced will soon enough be a distant memory,” NWS Burlington said in its area forecast discussion Monday afternoon.
This week is expected to see some of the hottest temperatures Vermonters have seen in several years, with an average of around 90 degrees in most places during the day. Additionally, several Vermont cities and towns will break daily heat records on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
National Weather Service Burlington meteorologists are also predicting high humidity – near or above 65 on the dew point scale – for the duration of the heat wave, which also extends into the evening hours.
The heat will likely peak on Wednesday, which is also the most likely day for temperatures to reach 100 degrees or higher. For perspective, Burlington has experienced only five 100-degree days since 1995.
However, in some cities and towns, days can feel even hotter than what the thermometer indicates. Vermont’s highest expected heat index value, also called apparent temperature, is 105 degrees for the week.
Excessive heat can be fatal. Heat waves claim more lives in the US each year than any other weather event – more than tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and lightning – according to AccuWeather.
A dangerous heat wave is expected this week. Places like Montpelier are expected to see the warmest temperatures in 30 years. Many places will see consecutive days in the 90s, with lows in the 60s to mid-70s, which will provide little relief overnight. #vtwx #nywx pic.twitter.com/YFoVuYLAoh
— NWS Burlington (@NWSBurlington) June 16, 2024
What is a heat wave and heat index?
NWS Burlington defines a heat wave as three or more consecutive days of 90 degrees or higher.
A heat index value – the combination of air temperature and relative humidity – indicates how warm it feels outside in a particular location. Think of it as the veil of wind chill, something Vermonters may be more familiar with.
This week’s heat index value of 105 is considered within the high-risk category for developing heat-related illnesses after prolonged physical activity, according to NWS Burlington.
This is how you prepare for this week’s heat wave
NWS Burlington has created a list of ways to protect yourself from excessive heat:
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Stay hydrated, stay in air-conditioned rooms, and avoid the sun if at all possible. Indoor temperatures can continue to rise after peak hours in areas with poor ventilation, putting people without air conditioning at risk to their health.
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If you must go outside, wear light and loose clothing.
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Limit strenuous tasks to the early morning or evening.
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If you work outdoors, take regular breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned areas. Move individuals who are overwhelmed by the heat to cool or shady areas.
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Call 911 if someone shows symptoms of heat stroke.
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Do not leave young children and pets unattended in cars. The inside will reach deadly temperatures within minutes.
Cooling Locations in Burlington
To help residents cope with the heat, Burlington will operate cooling centers between Tuesday, June 18 and Friday, June 21.
The following places will act as cooling centers:
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Public Works/Parks – 645 Pine St.: 8am-4pm, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 11am – 4pm, Wednesday.
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Fletcher Free Library – 235 College St.: 10am-8pm, Tuesday; Thursday, Friday 10am – 6pm.
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City Hall − Church St. 149: 11am – 4pm, Wednesday.
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ONE Center – 20 Allen St.: 11am-4pm, Tuesday to Friday.
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Leddy Arena – 216 Leddy Park Road: 11am-7pm, Tuesday to Thursday; 11am – 4pm, Friday.
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Fletcher Free, New North End – 1127 North Ave.: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Tuesday and Thursday; 10am – 2pm, Friday.
For more information about cooling centers, visit https://enjoyburlington.com/burlington-cooling-centers-where-to-cool-off-during-a-heat-wave.
More: Summer is Officially Here in Vermont: How to Keep Pets Safe When the Weather Is Hot
Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at mstewartyyounger@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont’s first heat wave of the year appears this week
