Hot, humid Thursday in Connecticut with storms in the forecast

Connecticut faces a hot, humid Thursday with heat advisories covering most of the state, inland highs in the lower to mid-90s and afternoon thunderstorms in the forecast.

The National Weather Service said heat index values could approach or reach 100 degrees in inland parts of the state. Shoreline areas are expected to stay cooler, but still hot and muggy.

Heat and storm risk

Forecasters expect showers and thunderstorms to develop Thursday afternoon and evening, with some storms potentially severe. More showers and storms are possible overnight and again Friday afternoon.

The combination of heat and humidity is the main concern for vulnerable residents, including older adults, children and people with chronic medical conditions. Brief flooding and disruptive wind gusts are also possible if stronger storms develop.

State response

Gov. Ned Lamont activated Connecticut’s extreme hot weather protocol from 10 a.m. Thursday through 6 p.m. Sunday. The state says the protocol is meant to coordinate cooling-center information through agencies, municipalities and United Way 211.

Officials described this as the first major hot spell of the season in Connecticut.

School and local impacts

Some Connecticut school districts are dismissing students early on Thursday because of the heat. The hot-weather pattern is also likely to affect outdoor work, school schedules and electricity demand during the hottest part of the day.

What to watch next

The short-term forecast remains active as weather officials watch for any expansion or refinement of advisories, along with whether Thursday afternoon storms turn severe or produce flash flooding. Humidity is expected to ease somewhat by Saturday and Sunday, though temperatures are still forecast to stay warm.