Heat wave hits Lakes Region with temperatures in upper 90s

The first major heat wave of the summer is upon us, with extreme temperatures and heat indexes expected over the next few days, including Independence Day, on Saturday.

“We are trending upward today, and starting to feel more humid, but the worst of it is expected to be Wednesday through Friday,” said Jerry Combs, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, on Tuesday.

Temperatures will be in the mid- to upper 90s in the Lakes Region, and combined with the humidity, the heat index will be 105 to 110 for the next few days.

Combs said the hottest day will likely be Thursday, with a high heat index for three straight days. He also said it's not expected to cool off much at night, with temperatures only falling into the 70s.

The average daytime temperature for this time of year is the low 80s in the Lakes Region, and nighttime temperatures in the 50s, so these forecasts are well above average.

While the hottest days of the week will be leading up to the holiday, Combs said Saturday will still be extremely hot, with a heat index between 90 and 95 degrees.

“I hesitate to call it a reprieve, but compared to the next few days, I suppose it is,” Combs said. “But, it will certainly be a hot one.”

Combs said while forecasted temperatures continue to fluctuate rapidly, bouncing around the 90s, there is a chance to see some record highs during this stretch. He said there was a similar stretch last June, with multiple 90-degree days.

Combs said isolated thunderstorms are also expected over the next three days.

A recent storm brought heavy winds and a tornado watch throughout the Granite State. In Tuftonboro, in particular, there was heavy wind damage. The National Weather Service said there were microbursts in the area, but no tornadoes, and hundreds of downed trees and property damage were reported.

This week, Combs said the storms are not expected to be nearly as severe, but said they could be strong, and take place at night, which he said is fairly rare for the region.

“In addition to the heat, keep an eye on the sky for thunderstorms,” Combs said.

Staying safe in the heat

Combs stressed that if you need to be outside, make sure to stay hydrated. That, he said, is No. 1.

“If you don’t feel thirsty, drink water anyway,” Combs said. “If you can delay chores or outside work, do it, or get it done in the morning, or evening, when it is cooler.”

When outside, Combs said it's good to find places to take breaks in the shade, but an air-conditioned environment is always best.

Combs said it's important to check on vulnerable populations, and be in contact with neighbors. He stressed to never, by any means, leave a child or a pet in a vehicle for any amount of time.

“The insides of vehicles heat up so fast,” Combs said.

Laconia Deputy Fire Chief Louis Loutrel agreed, saying the biggest thing is to stay hydrated. He said most people don’t drink enough water as it is, and adequate hydration is vital.

As part of a “Risk Reduction Weekly” initiative by the Laconia Fire Department on Facebook, the department listed symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and what to do in either case.

Heat exhaustion symptoms are dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea, and weakness. If these symptoms come on, firefighters instruct people to move to a cooler area, loosen clothing, sip cool water, and seek medical attention if there is no improvement.

“If you catch that early enough, move out of the heat to a cooler area, and drink water,” Loutrel said.

Loutrel said one bad sign is if you stop sweating, which is an indication the body has exhausted its methods of cooling down. Heat stroke is bad news, and Loutrel said to call 911 immediately.

“Heat stroke would be the more severe of the two, and that is truly, truly a severe medical emergency,” he said.

Early symptoms are confusion, dizziness, and even becoming unconscious.

The fire department does respond to calls for heat-related illness in the summer months, and Loutrel noted it is often to help people in vulnerable populations, like elderly people, children, and those with chronic illnesses.

“We put this out on social media, with signs and symptoms of heat illnesses, to refresh everyone’s memory on how to recognize these heat illnesses and to stay aware,” Loutrel said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the city had not designated a cooling shelter, but Loutrel said he would be speaking with city leaders in the coming hours. If a cooling shelter is set up, information will be shared on the city's website and social media outlets, and he plans to reach out to the press with that information, as well.

“Last year, we opened a few in the city, as it got dangerous,” Loutrel said.

Belmont Police Capt. Evan Boulanger said his department is monitoring the conditions, and will continue to evaluate the need for any additional resources.

“At this time, there are no cooling centers scheduled to open,” Boulanger said. “Should conditions dictate, we would activate the Emergency Operations Center and coordinate the opening of a cooling shelter for residents who may need relief from the heat.”

Like Loutrel and Combs, Boulanger stressed hydration, and limiting strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. He advised people to take frequent breaks when outdoors, and also never leave children or pets in vehicles.

Boulanger also said people should be in contact with their neighbors, family members and others vulnerable to heat illnesses.

With the heat wave present, and also an increased number of visitors to the area for the summer, the Laconia Fire Department will have increased staffing.

Loutrel said he hoped people stay hydrated and stay cool during the scorching temperatures, and safely enjoy the Independence Day holiday.

“If you need to go out, wear loose clothing so it doesn’t keep the heat on your body,” Loutrel said.

“The biggest thing is to try to stay out of the heat, and stay in a cool area.”

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Katlyn Proctor contributed reporting to this story.