Sweltering heat wave hits Seacoast NH and Maine. Temps to hit 90s and feel even hotter.

Meteorologist Greg Cornwell from the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, said  Seacoast New Hampshire and York County, Maine, are about to feel "the warmest temperatures of the season so far."

The National Weather Service is forecasting a heat wave this week that will last through the weekend in what Cornwell calls “a warm stretch” of highs in the low 90s and heat index into the mid-to-upper 90s. Temperatures will likely be cooler closer to the coast, but Cornwell says don’t expect much relief in the evenings, since temperatures will still be in the 70s.

Some strong to severe thunderstorms are expected Thursday. These storms could produce potentially strong winds and hail, Cornwell said. Wednesday is expected to be the warmest day of the week.

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“We expect these hot and humid conditions to continue through the rest of the week,” Cornwell said. “We urge people to stay hydrated, and if you have to be outside for prolonged periods of time to watch for signs of heat-related illnesses.”

Seacoast cities urge safety

Dover Fire Chief Michael McShane reminds residents they can utilize city buildings to cool off and to be mindful of heat-related illnesses. Areas open for weather respite include the McConnell Center cafeteria, Dover Public Library, City Hall, Dover Police Department lobby, and Community Action Partnership of Strafford County's Day Center (located at Bradley Commons at 577 Central Ave.).

For a complete list of city of Dover public facilities that serve as cooling locations, as well as hours of operation, visit dover.nh.gov/services/warming-and-cooling-centers.html.

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Portsmouth leaders are urging residents to take advantage of the library, senior center and Peirce Island pool to stay cool this week. Portsmouth also offers cooling assistance for seniors that qualify who need air conditioning but cannot afford it. For more information on Project CoolAir contact Ellen Tully at City Hall 603-610-7267.

The New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management urges residents and visitors to plan ahead for the heat.

“Take the necessary precautions to protect your family, friends, and neighbors from heat-related illness,” Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Jennifer Harper said in a statement. “During extreme heat, limit your exposure to the sun and stay in air-conditioned rooms for as long as possible.”

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Harper also suggests checking on pets, children and the elderly frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from heat-related illnesses, dressing in loose-fitting light-colored clothes, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and limiting exposure to the sun if possible. Police and safety officials urge people not to leave pets or children in their vehicles.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Seacoast NH and Maine weather: Heat wave forecast with highs in 90s