Epic heat wave continues to build with Sunday highs predicted near century mark

Sunday's high could break records across the northeast, where some 160 million Americans could experience heat indexes of 100 degrees or higher.

A dangerous and extended heat wave continues to grip the entire northeastern United States including Rochester where downtown saw a high of 93 around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
New Accuweather forecasts say what was supposed to be a six-day heat wave that started on Wednesday may ratchet back to just five days with Sunday's sweltering temperature finale climbing to a high of 98 with a heat index of around 103.
Meanwhile, a potent thunderstorm due this afternoon won't tamp down temps much with nighttime lows remaining in the high 60s till Sunday when the low will be a stifling 75 degrees.
Some Rochester residents cooled off at City Hall and the library on Wednesday while others took advantage of swims at the city's pools.
Both cooling stations will be available again today, while the pools will be open to Rochester residents (proof of residency required for adults) as follows:
Hanson Pines pool and kiddie pool: 12:15-6 p.m.
East Rochester: 1:15-5 p.m.
Gonic: 2:30-6 p.m.
Sunday's high could break records across the northeast, where some 160 million Americans could experience heat indexes of 100 degrees or higher, the Accuweather forecasting team cautioned.
Temperatures will approach the 100-degree mark by Sunday in major cities along the I-95 corridor, according to forecasters.
The heat wave will be the most formidable of the summer so far for many big cities along the upper reaches of the Eastern Seaboard. The intensifying weather pattern will also deliver some of the highest daily temperatures and longest stretches of heat that many places have endured in years.
For several hours during the afternoon and early evening this weekend, RealFeel Temperatures can top 110 in urban locations of the major I-95 cities. To make matters worse, given the vast amounts of pavement, concrete and brick surfaces, temperatures may fail to drop below 80 at night in those same urban locations during the heat wave.
The New Hampshire Department of Safety's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management urges residents and visitors to take action before a heat emergency.
"Take the necessary precautions to protect your family, friends, and neighbors from heat-related illness," said Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Jennifer Harper. "During extreme heat, limit your exposure to the sun and stay in air conditioned rooms for as long as possible."
Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. Young children and infants, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women are at highest risk for heat-related illness.
Harper offers the following safety tips:
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.
• Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power during periods of extreme heat. Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Sign up for NH Alerts to receive emergency information via your mobile and landline phones, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from HSEM.
• Check the weather and listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service.
If you must go outside:
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun's rays.
• Protect your face and head by wearing sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Limit exposure to the sun.
Residents and visitors can learn more at ReadyNH.gov
Although high electricity usage during a heat wave can put a strain on the electric system, Eversource announced on Tuesday they are prepared to meet that increased demand and its crews are ready to respond to any outages or issues that may arise.
"We begin preparing for the increased demand we typically see during the summer months well before the hot weather arrives," said Eversource President of New Hampshire Operations Doug Foley. "By conducting ground and aerial inspections of the electrical system in the cooler months, we can detect and address any issues in advance so that our customers have reliable service during these hot summer days and throughout the year."

Accuweather material was used in this report

This story will be updated