There is an air quality alert for elevated levels of ozone throughout most of Connecticut from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. today. A combination of hot temperatures and emissions from vehicles and power plants react with sunlight to cause high levels of ozone, especially for sensitive groups such as the elderly, children and persons with asthma.
The heat and humidity will stick around for the next couple of days. Keep in mind that a heat wave is defined as temperatures reaching and/or exceeding 90 degrees for three consecutive. A classic mid-summer pattern has taken shape across all of New England as the big Bermuda high will continue to transport heat and humidity today, Saturday, and possibly into Sunday.
The shoreline towns will stay in the 80s, however, there will be a sea breeze during the afternoon. The breeze is due to the cooler ocean water temperatures. Water temperatures this time of year are still very cold with readings averaging in the 50s. When the wind turns to the south; the cooler air moves on shore, keeping temperatures 10 degrees cooler along the shoreline.
On Sunday, the wind will switch from the SW to the south, so temperatures may stay in the 80s across all of inland Connecticut. The main line of showers and thunderstorms will hold off until late Sunday night into Monday, as a cold front will slowly cross the region ushering in much cooler air. Daytime highs next week will average in the cool, comfortable 70s, with lows in the 50s.
Forecast Details:
Today: Mostly sunny, hazy, hot and humid. High: 91-96. Wind: SW 10-20 mph. Sunset: 8:19 p.m.
Saturday: Hazy, hot, and humid. High: 88-93 degrees.
Sunday: Partly sunny, hot and humid. High: 85-90 degrees.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms, cooler. High: 70s.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High: 70s.
Wednesday: Sunny and pleasant. High: 70s.