CT Weather: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued As Storms Loom

CONNECTICUT — A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the entire state until 10 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. A heat advisory also remains in effect.

In southern Connecticut, a heat advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday as it will feel like 104 degrees. In northern Connecticut, a heat advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday as it will feel like 103 degrees.

Additionally, there is "potential for isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms late this afternoon into evening," the weather service said.

"There is potential for localized to scattered areas of flash flooding Thursday afternoon into evening ahead of and along a slow moving cold front," the weather service said.

The weather looks very unsettled for the remainder of the week as showers and thunderstorms are possible each day, though temperatures begin to drop noticeably beginning on Thursday and continuing on Friday and lasting through the upcoming July 4 holiday weekend.

WTNH News 8 chief meteorologist Gil Simmons said "Dangerous heat, humidity and air quality today! High temperatures in the 90s to about 100°. The heat index will be up between 95° and 110° this afternoon! Pay attention to the sky! It will go from sunny to stormy this afternoon with some possible severe thunderstorms. I do expect some heavy rain later tomorrow and tomorrow night. I’m also nervous about fireworks for the weekend with a spotty shower threat. The days will not be a washout. It will be much, much cooler too."

See also: Popular Pizzeria Closed For Weeks As Car Crashes Into Building: Police

• Connecticut Looks To Halt Mass Car Thefts
• Indictment Charges Man With Defrauding Grandparents

Information from the National Weather Service about a heat advisory:

A heat advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any
length of time.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk, the weather service said. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.

Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors, the weather service said.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 9 1 1.

Here are the forecast details for southern Connecticut:

Today: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds. Sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 101. Southwest wind 5 to 14 mph.

Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. West wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 83. West wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then showers likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 66. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Here are the forecast details for northern Connecticut:

Today: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Increasing clouds and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 102. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 1am, then a slight chance of showers after 5am. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. West wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers before 7am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7am and noon, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Light west wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 66. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Friday: Showers likely, mainly before 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.