The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for parts of Vermont on Friday as hot and humid conditions move into the region. The advisory is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Friday for the Champlain Valley, most of Rutland County and lower elevations of Windsor and Windham counties. Meanwhile, the Storm Prediction Center has placed much of the area under a slight risk (level 2 of 5) for severe thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening.
Temperatures Friday afternoon are expected to reach the lower 90s in the Champlain and Connecticut River valleys, with heat index values in the mid 90s. Elsewhere, highs will be in the mid to upper 80s, feeling like the upper 80s to low 90s. A cold front moving through the region will trigger showers and thunderstorms that could become severe, with damaging winds, heavy downpours, frequent lightning and hail. Isolated flash flooding is possible where the heaviest rain falls.
Police advise drinking plenty of fluids, wearing light clothing, avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat, and never leaving children or pets in parked cars. Residents are urged to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors. Anyone planning outdoor activities should have a plan to take shelter in an enclosed building if a storm approaches.
Relief is expected Saturday, with highs in the low to mid 80s and lower humidity. Sunday will be slightly cooler with a chance of late-day showers. Early next week will bring highs in the low to mid 70s and overnight lows in the 50s.
NEK will be looking into whether local cooling centers will be open in the Northeast Kingdom on Friday.
Originally reported by WCAX.
Photo: Leah Newhouse via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
Log in as a subscriber to comment, or become a member.