Extreme heat to hit Connecticut this weekend
May 20—In a classic example of bad timing, unusually extreme hot temperatures are expected for the region this weekend, just one week before some towns traditionally open beaches, pools, splash pads, and other ways for residents to cool off.
SCORCHER
SATURDAY
95
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SUNDAY
93
The high temperatures forecast by The Weather Channel this weekend for Manchester.
Temperatures this weekend are expected to hit the mid-90s both Saturday and Sunday, said Torry Gaucher, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Gaucher added that with the anticipated humidity, it is expected to feel close to 100 degrees.
"We're expecting some unseasonably warm conditions," Gaucher said Thursday, adding that state temperature records could be broken.
The hottest it's ever been in May in Connecticut is 99 degrees, set on May 20, 1996, Gaucher said. This weekend may come "in striking distance" to breaking that, Gaucher said.
Despite the high temperatures, it is still too early in the season for some localbeaches, pools and splash pads to open, area officials said.
Coventry Parks and Recreation Director Lesley Munshower said Thursday that the town's beaches on Coventry Lake do not open until Memorial Day weekend. "The beaches will not be staffed" with lifeguards and other employees, she said, adding that swimming would not be allowed because of this.
Splash pads in Manchester and East Windsor will also still be closed this weekend, according to parks and recreation officials in those towns.
"While we recognize the unprecedented heat upon us, we are still in the process of staff training and inspections for the summer season," a post on
the East Windsor Parks
and Recreation Department's Facebook page reads. Both the reservoir in East Windsor Park and the town's splash pad are scheduled to open on June 11.
Manchester's splash pad on Olcott Street is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend.
Although some recreation facilities may still be closed for the season, many area towns are designating spaces as cooling centers for those who may be at risk.
East Hartford spokesperson Ekaterine Tchelidze said Thursday that both the East Hartford Public Safety Complex at 31 School St. and the East Hartford Public Library at 840 Main St. would serve as cooling centers for town residents seeking relief. However, no additional staff or services would be offered at these locations, she added.
Town officials from Windsor, Manchester, South Windsor, and Vernon also said Thursday that their town's libraries would serve as unofficial cooling centers for residents that need a break from the heat.
"It will be hot, but not extremely outside the norm," said South Windsor Town Manager Michael Maniscalco, adding that he did not feel the need to open any other official cooling center for the weekend.
Eastern Highlands Health District Director Robert Miller said Thursday that those who go outside this weekend should be careful to not overexert themselves.
"Generally, we want people to apply common sense," Miller said, saying that people should drink plenty of fluids, wear clothing with lighter colors, and stay in the shade when possible.
Miller added that people who are more at risk of heat related illness, such as young children and the elderly, should be watched more carefully. Symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke can include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, confusion, cramping, or passing out, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Medical attention should be sought immediately.
Once the weekend passes, things should return to seasonal conditions, forecasters predict.
Gaucher said that after potential showers and thunderstorms Sunday night, temperatures are expected to cool back down into the 70s for next week.
"It will be more seasonable for this time of year," he said.
Ben covers Coventry and Tolland for the Journal Inquirer.
