Latest Timing For 'Ring Of Fire' Storms As Extreme Heat Lingers In CT

CONNECTICUT — Another day of brutal heat will blanket the state Wednesday before conditions could get stormy in the evening in what forecasters are calling a "ring of fire" thunderstorm system.

Extreme heat Wednesday, unsafe conditions remain

But before the weather turns unsettled, expect high temperatures in the area to reach the upper 90s.

"There is an extreme risk of heat related illnesses through today, especially for those most vulnerable. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room if possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, and check up on relatives and neighbors," the National Weather Service said.

WFSB reports that its string of “First Alert Weather Days” lasts through Wednesday, and the first heat wave of 2025 will end come Thursday.

“Instead of an Extreme Heat Warning, a Heat Advisory (a notch below) is in place today with heat index values between 95 and 105,” WFSB reported on Wednesday. “With the arrival of a cold front, just a few isolated showers and or storms will be possible; behind it temps drop *below* average!”

Monday’s high of 98 degrees set a record for the Hartford area for June 23, according to WFSB, beating the prior record of 97 degrees from 1965. Tuesday also set a record, reaching 99 degrees and beating a prior record of 94 from 2013, the station reported.

For Wednesday, WFSB is forecasting highs of 90 to 95 degrees, which may also challenge records. The humidity will make it feel up to 105 degrees in Connecticut.

“While we start today dry and bright, we’ll run the risk for a few isolated showers and storms during the afternoon as a cold front slowly moves into the region. Most of the state could escape any wet weather,” WFSB reported. “The arrival of this front will also signal the end of what will be a 4-day heat wave.”

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'Ring of fire' storms move in

Potential storms could move in as early as Wednesday evening, causing temperatures to tick down. On Thursday, high temperatures in Connecticut will be down to the mid-70s, according to the National Weather Service.

AccuWeather reports that a large swath of thunderstorms surrounding the massive heat dome that has engulfed Texas to New England could bring a "ring of fire" impacting several states Wednesday evening.

The pattern is referred to in the weather community as a "ring of fire" because thunderstorms form along the edges of the heat dome, AccuWeather explained. Because the heat dome is warm through most layers of the atmosphere, clouds and storms have difficulty forming.

"However, on the edges of the heat, especially along the northern and western flanks thereof, the air is cooler well above the ground, which makes it easier for clouds to tower and produce thunderstorms," AccuWeather said. "Within this ring, there can be spotty, individual thunderstorms, large clusters of thunderstorms or a solid line of storms that can repeat or meander back and forth as hot and cool air change hands."

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The severe weather threat will extend into the Northeast.

Here are the forecast details for northern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:

Today: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 100. Northwest wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tonight: Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m., then a slight chance of showers after 3 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Northeast wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers after 9 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 75. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 59. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: A chance of showers, mainly before 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers, mainly after 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. East wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Here are the forecast details for southern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 100. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.

Tonight: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then a chance of showers after 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. East wind 7 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. East wind around 7 mph.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. East wind 8 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 62.