Thunderstorms, NH Heat Advisory Warnings Issued; Nashua Offers Info

GRAY, MAINE — Two hazardous weather outlooks have been issued for the state of New Hampshire, warning of a mini-heatwave during the next few days as well as thunderstorms on Thursday night.

Temperatures from Wednesday to Saturday are expected to be in the upper 80s and lower 90s each day, leading forecasters to warn Granite Staters, especially on Thursday and Friday, to stay cool. A band of T-storms is expected to come through the state on Thursday night, with more rain possible on Saturday.

“Isolated to scattered severe storms are possible Thursday,” one of the alerts stated. “Confidence is increasing that storms may contain damaging winds, hail, and torrential downpours.”

Those areas not experiencing thunder and lightning could see “excessive rainfall” — with the entire state experiencing “isolated to scattered flash flooding.”

The alerts said the combination of temperatures nearing 90 degrees and dew points in the low 70s will result in heat indices in the lower 90s on Thursday and mid-90s Friday.

“These values will be focused in southern New Hampshire Thursday, spreading north and east through interior Maine Friday,” the alert stated.

Heat index values could be as high as 95.

The heat advisory runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.

Nashua, the state’s second-largest city, issued a health alert warning residents to prepare now for the hot temps later this week.

Cooling centers will be open at varying hours between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday at various locations, while two locations will be open on Friday. Nashua transit buses to cooling centers will be free on both days. Four of the city’s pools will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

Anyone experiencing heat stroke should call 911.

Credit: City of Nashua

For more information, visit nashuanh.gov/647/Seasonal-Safety or call 603-589-4500.

Also, on Wednesday, Eversource said it was prepared for a boost in usage by customers running air conditioners and fans.

Eversource New Hampshire President of Electric Operations Doug Foley said the company worked year-round to make the grid more resilient to extreme weather. Crews were also available to respond to any issue, from storm-related outages to squirrels on power lines causing outages. Foley said customers should take steps to stay cool and save energy when they can.

“We all use more energy during the summer months as we try to keep cool, running our air conditioners, fans, and other appliances,” he said. “We prepare for that increased usage months in advance by conducting ground and aerial inspections of the overhead and underground electrical system so we can detect and address any issues well beforehand and ensure that customers have reliable service year-round, especially during these hot and humid days.”

The company said, during the summer months, its customers use about 25 percent more electricity than during other months.

Some tips include: Keeping ACs as warm as possible — every degree higher on the thermostat leads to a 1 to 3 percent less in electricity; keeping air vents clear of obstructions; operating major appliances during the cooler parts of the day; keeping blinds closed; using Energy Star certified LED lights; ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise; and weatherizing homes, too.

Forecasters also suggested residents “take extra precautions” while working and spending time outside.

“When possible,” an alert said, “reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.”

An alert said to reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

The latest weather conditions can be found on the front page of every Patch.com site in the United States, including the 14 New Hampshire Patch news and community websites covering Amherst, Bedford, Concord, Exeter, Hampton, Londonderry, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Nashua, North Hampton, Portsmouth, Salem, Windham, and Across NH. Local weather reports for New Hampshire are posted on Sundays and Thursdays. Alerts are published when needed.

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