Hot temperatures returning

Aug. 2—High temperatures will return for a few days this week, with the chance for record-breaking heat on Thursday, according to National Weather Service Meteorologist Bill Simpson.

Simpson said Thursday will be the hottest day of the week, predicting that temperatures could reach the middle or upper 90s. The record for the day, 96 degrees set in 1944, is "vulnerable," said Simpson.

Add the humidity on top of that, and Thursday will feel like 105 degrees, he said.

Simpson said the area would likely see temperatures close to 90 today and Wednesday. Then on Friday, another 96-degree day could be in store, but it won't be breaking any records. On Aug. 5, 1955, the state hit 101 degrees.

There is the possibility that cooler temperatures could arrive Friday evening, along with a chance of showers.

Late July and early August is typically the hottest part of the year for the northern third of the country, but the temperatures spreading across the Midwest and Northeast this week are 5 to 15 degrees above normal, according to AccuWeather.

The heat is the result of a "massive bubble of hot air," moving East, after it already broke records in the Northwest, the company said. As a result Gov. Ned Lamont has activated the state's extreme hot weather protocol again, which will remain in effect until Friday at 8 p.m.

While activated, the protocol helps state agencies and local municipalities coordinate to provide residents with information and access to cooling centers. Anyone in need of a cooling center should call 211 or visit 211ct.org.

If this week turns out to be another heat wave — three or more days above 90 degrees — it would be the second of the year so far for the area.

Baltimore, Maryland has already had five such waves, and Philadelphia has had 3, AccuWeather reports.

For breaking news and happenings in North Central Connecticut, follow Matthew Knox on Twitter: @MatthewPKnoxJI, and Facebook: Matthew P. Knox JI.