NEW HAMPSHIRE
— A
heat advisory
remains in effect across eastern New Hampshire, where residents in
Manchester, Nashua, Salem, and Exeter
are experiencing
oppressive humidity and temperatures
with heat index values approaching
97 degrees
. The alert will stay active until
8 p.m. Thursday
, as
high humidity and intense sun
combine to create potentially dangerous conditions for vulnerable populations.
High Heat, High Risk Across Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties
The
National Weather Service in Gray, Maine
has issued a regional advisory warning that the most intense heat will peak during
Thursday afternoon
, with conditions particularly dangerous for
outdoor workers, the elderly, children, and pets
.
According to the
Country Herald Weather Center
, residents in
Hillsborough and Rockingham counties
should take precautions to prevent
heat-related illnesses
such as
heat exhaustion or heat stroke
, especially if they do not have access to air conditioning.
Cooling Centers and Local Emergency Response
City officials
in Manchester and Nashua are urging residents to stay indoors where possible and to check in on
neighbors and vulnerable individuals
, including seniors and those with chronic health conditions. Several
community cooling centers
have opened in cities like
Derry
and
Salem
, offering relief for people without adequate home cooling systems.
Outdoor activities are strongly discouraged during peak heat hours, and
residents are being advised to stay hydrated
, wear light-colored clothing, and limit time in the sun.
Power Grid Concerns and Regional Comparison
With temperatures soaring,
energy demand is expected to spike
as residents crank up air conditioners to cope with the heat. Utility companies are monitoring the grid closely, but there’s growing concern that prolonged heat could
strain infrastructure
, especially if the advisory is extended past Thursday.
This week’s conditions mirror a similar advisory issued in
July 2024
, when New Hampshire experienced a
surge in emergency calls
and
a spike in hospital visits
related to heat-related complications.
Forecast and Possible Relief
While the
heat advisory is set to expire Thursday at 8 p.m.
, weather models suggest a slight cooldown is expected by
Friday
, bringing some relief to the region. However, if
heat and humidity levels remain elevated
, officials may choose to
extend the advisory
into the weekend.
Stay updated on further advisories by visiting the
National Weather Service – Gray, ME
page and your local news sources.
Are you feeling the heat in Manchester, Nashua, or elsewhere in the Granite State? Have you had to visit a cooling center or change your daily routine?
Share your experience in the comments below.
