Vermont is in for a stretch of intense summer weather, with forecasters warning of heat, humidity and potential thunderstorms.
The National Weather Service is expecting potentially hazardous weather for the state through Wednesday. Seth Kutikoff, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Burlington, said temperatures are projected to reach the mid- and upper 80s on Thursday. Thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon and evening that should help bring down the temperature on Friday, but hot weather is expected to return this weekend.
“The risk today of damaging wind with the strongest thunderstorms: We want people to pay attention to any severe thunderstorm warnings that may be issued,” Kutikoff said.
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Kutikoff said Friday’s temperatures will be much lower, with widespread west wind, whereas weekend temperatures will be moderate with a risk of severe thunderstorms, particularly on Saturday night.
Meteorologists expect high temperatures to continue into next week.
“This is the time of year that it’s common, but at the same time, the degree of heat that we’re expecting early next week is unusual,” said Kutikoff, adding that the forecast for Burlington is projected to be around 97 degrees.
“The temperature of 97 degrees would tie for the second warmest June temperature over the last 30 years,” Kutikoff said.
The heat will affect the entire state, with the Champlain Valley, Winooski Valley and other areas with towns at lower elevations experiencing higher temperatures.
Kutikoff advised people to be prepared for the heat, finding cooling centers if needed and avoiding activities during the hottest parts of the day, especially on Monday and Tuesday.
Jared Ulmer, climate and health program manager at the Vermont Department of Health, said its cooling centers map will also be updated — likely the day before extreme heat is expected to hit — with additional resources highlighted on the map. Cooling centers at some libraries and fire stations will be open to the public, providing relief from the heat for people experiencing homelessness and without access to air conditioning.
According to the latest state air conditioning data report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Vermont has the fifth-lowest rate of air conditioning in the U.S., with 67% of homes equipped with air conditioning. Of those, 60% have single-room air conditioning units and only 7% have central air — the lowest number in the country after Alaska.
“Heat is a growing concern in Vermont and will continue to be more of a concern into the future,” Ulmer said.
As human activities drive climate change and lead to higher global temperatures, heat-related risks in Vermont are increasing as well, according to the Vermont Climate Assessment. The 2021 study found that “Vermont already is seeing more heat stroke and dehydration from high temperatures and an associated increase in heat-related (emergency department) visits since 2003.”
According to a hot weather preparedness guidance by the Vermont Department of Health, the number of people who visit the emergency room or call 911 for heat-related illnesses is similar to the number of people doing so for cold-related illnesses.
The Department of Health has also compiled a list of heat safety tips available in different languages and specific guidance for caregivers.
“We’ve done a lot of work just trying to raise awareness about the health impacts of heat, recognizing symptoms, how to prepare and respond, because it really is just a new topic for a lot of people in Vermont to grapple with,” Ulmer said.
