A dangerous heat wave, one of which that likely hasn't impacted the North Country in decades occurred between June 30th and July 5th. High temperatures exceeded 90 degrees for at least 5 of the six days in many locations were above 85 degrees for 7 days.
Every event with a place to put it; 15 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS BTV wrote it up.
A dangerous heat wave, one of which that likely hasn't impacted the North Country in decades occurred between June 30th and July 5th. High temperatures exceeded 90 degrees for at least 5 of the six days in many locations were above 85 degrees for 7 days. |Heat indices, the combination of temperature and humidity, were recorded in the 100 to 110 range considered excessive and very dangerous. A substantial increase in hospitalizations occurred due to the excessive heat and duration and at least 4 deaths were attributed to the heat.
Burlington VT witnessed the warmest 5 and 6 Day Consecutive stretch since records have been kept in 1892. Also, the ALL-TIME warmest minimum temperature was recorded on July 2nd of 80 degrees, breaking the old record of 78 degrees.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Burlington, VT wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jun 30, 9:51 PM EST, 2 hours 9 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Burlington VT
1051 PM EDT Sat Jun 30 2018
.SYNOPSIS...
Building heat and humidity will continue to be the theme this
weekend as mid-level heat ridge builds into the northeastern
U.S. from the Midwest and Ohio Valley regions. Before the core
of the high pressure settles over the North Country, scattered showers
and thunderstorms are expected through the early morning hours
across far northern New York and Vermont diminishing after
midnight. A few storms may be severe producing damaging winds,
brief heavy rainfall, dangerous cloud to ground lightning, and
isolated hail. Dangerously hot and humid conditions will peak
Sunday and Monday, but high temperatures will reach into the 90s
in most valley locations through at least Thursday of next
week. Expect little relief during the overnight periods as
temperatures will remain in the 70s through much of the
nighttime periods with muggy conditions. Now is the time to make
sure you have a plan in place to check on anyone vulnerable to
heat and living alone.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/...
As of 1050 PM EDT Saturday...A few thunderstorms finally got
going after sunset across the northeast Kingdom and southern
Canada. There continues to be an isolated severe threat across
the the far north and addressed that in the forecast. No severe
watch is anticipated as the areal coverage is small.
Otherwise, a muggy and warm night on tap with lows only falling
into the upper 60s to mid 70s.
On Sunday highs will be bumping up a couple of degrees into the
mid/upper 90s and dewpoints rising into the lower to mid 70s.
Have enough confidence at this point that BTV will see it's
first occurrence of heat indices of over 105 degrees, so the
first ever Excessive Heat Warning for the area has been issued
across the Champlain and St. Lawrence Valleys. This will be in
effect from noon Sunday through Monday as Monday now looks like
the hottest day of the stretch.
We've already talked about the heat on Sunday, which will be
the main threat, but also models continue to pop a few isolated
showers across the Adirondacks in the afternoon, so left that in
the forecast. Sunday night is a rinse and repeat in regards to
temperatures. Shouldn't see any convection, and lows should be
similar to the previous night in the mid 60s to mid 70s.
&&
.SHORT TERM /MONDAY THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT/...
As of 433 PM EDT Saturday...Heart of the heat ridge then
bridges across the area on Monday into Monday night. Averaged
mid-late afternoon 925 mb temperatures are running generally in
the 28-30C range, though the 12Z NAM continues to struggle with
a cool bias and have largely ignored it's output. Based off the
global output will maintain max temperatures in the lower to mid
90s in the mountains, and mid-upper 90s valleys with a few spot
100F readings certainly possible in the hottest locales.
Dewpoints will be maximized through the morning hours, lowering
slightly by afternoon as the boundary layer deepens though this
will be off little impact with preliminary heat index values
once again topping out from 95 to about 108F depending on
locale. Given such extreme heat and humidity, an isolated
pulse- type storm may be possible by mid to late afternoon,
especially in the higher terrain where light terrain-driven flow
will enhance theta-e convergence. However, given a
strengthening warm cap around 700 mb convective suppression will
be quite strong and I anticipate most areas will remain dry.
Any isolated evening storms then dissipate by the mid-evening
hours on Monday setting the stage for a very warm and muggy
night under light flow. Low temperatures to range from the upper
60s/lower 70s in the mountains, and from 72 to 77 in the larger
valleys where the A/Cs will likely run through the night.
&&
.LONG TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
As of 433 PM EDT Saturday...
...Prolonged, dangerous heat wave to impact the North
Country...
Rare heat wave for the North Country is expected to continue
into next week, which will affect many enjoying 4th of July
celebrations. Keep cool and stay hydrated. Avoid long, strenuous
activities during the heat of the day and reach out to friends
and family without AC to ensure their health and safety. The
30-year average of weather fatalities identifies excessive heat
as one of the deadliest weather phenomena. Please stay up to
date with the latest forecasts for this rare heat wave.
On Tuesday, a weak trough will push through the North Country.
Moisture associated with this system appears shallow and with a
strong, capping inversion for most of the day, showers and
storms will have difficulty developing. Any showers/storms that
do develop will be very slow to move. The flow below 400mb based
on forecast soundings will be less than 15 kts throughout the
column. The main forcing for ascent will be orographic, which
could spell localized flooding along mountain ridges. Otherwise,
somewhat drier and cooler air will be in place behind the
trough to knock the edge of the heat somewhat. Current
temperature forecasts are in the low 90s across the Champlain
and St. Lawrence Valley as well as the Connecticut River.
Elsewhere highs will be in the mid to upper 80s.
Forecast models remain consistent on the mid-level high
retrograding towards the Central US. With clear skies and winds
becoming calm to southerly once again, temperatures will likely
become warmer again on Independence Day and Thursday. Then on
Friday, the mid-level high will have retreated far enough
westward that a trough begins to develop across New England,
which looks to be our best chance to get out of the heat wave
with some needed rainfall possible.
&&
.AVIATION /03Z SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
Through 00Z Monday...VFR conditions now expected through the
period. Evening convective activity hasn't panned out so with no
rain expected overnight, ceilings should remain VFR. With a ton
of low level moisture around though and light winds, could see
some areas of BR though confidence is not high enough to
forecast.
Outlook...
Sunday Night: VFR. NO SIG WX.
Monday: VFR. NO SIG WX.
Monday Night: VFR. NO SIG WX.
Tuesday: VFR. Chance SHRA, Chance TSRA.
Tuesday Night: VFR. Slight chance SHRA, Slight chance TSRA.
Independence Day: VFR. Slight chance SHRA, Slight chance TSRA.
Wednesday Night: VFR. Slight chance SHRA, Slight chance TSRA.
Thursday: VFR. Chance SHRA, Chance TSRA.
&&
.CLIMATE...
Record Highs for June 30th through July 3rd
07/01 07/02 07/03
Burlington, VT 96|1931 96|1963 100|1911
Montpelier, VT 89|1968 90|1949 91|2002
St. Johnsbury, VT 98|1931 96|1963 101|1911
Massena, NY 93|1963 93|1963 95|1949
Plattsburgh, NY 94|1968 98|1963 98|1966
Saranac Lake, NY 95|1931 96|1931 96|1911
&&
.BTV WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
VT...Heat Advisory from noon Sunday to 10 PM EDT Monday for VTZ003-
004-006>008-010-012-016>019.
Excessive Heat Warning from noon Sunday to 10 PM EDT Monday
for VTZ001-002-005-009-011.
Heat Advisory until noon EDT Sunday for VTZ001-002-005-009-011.
NY...Heat Advisory from noon Sunday to 10 PM EDT Monday for
NYZ029>031-034.
Excessive Heat Warning from noon Sunday to 10 PM EDT Monday
for NYZ026>028-035-087.
Heat Advisory until noon EDT Sunday for NYZ026>028-035-087.
&&
SYNOPSIS...Banacos/Lahiff
NEAR TERM...Lahiff/Sisson
SHORT TERM...JMG
LONG TERM...Haynes
AVIATION...Lahiff
CLIMATE...WFO BTVHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Burlington VT 250 AM EDT Sat Jun 30 2018 NYZ029>031-034-VTZ003-004-006>008-010-012-016>019-010700- Southeastern St. Lawrence-Southern Franklin-Western Clinton- Western Essex-Orleans-Essex-Lamoille-Caledonia-Washington-Orange- Windsor-Eastern Franklin-Eastern Chittenden-Eastern Addison- Eastern Rutland- 250 AM EDT Sat Jun 30 2018 ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON SUNDAY TO 10 PM EDT MONDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern New York, central Vermont, northeast Vermont, northwest Vermont and southern Vermont. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. There is a chance for thunderstorms today, mainly late this afternoon into the first half of tonight. Some thunderstorms may be severe, with the potential for damaging winds. Small hail, dangerous cloud to ground lightning, and brief downpours can also be expected. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Heat Advisory. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. NYZ026>028-035-087-VTZ001-002-005-009-011-010700- Northern St. Lawrence-Northern Franklin-Eastern Clinton- Eastern Essex-Southwestern St. Lawrence-Grand Isle-Western Franklin- Western Chittenden-Western Addison-Western Rutland- 250 AM EDT Sat Jun 30 2018 ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 10 PM EDT MONDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern New York, central Vermont, northwest Vermont and southern Vermont. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. There is a chance for thunderstorms today, mainly late this afternoon into the first half of tonight. Some thunderstorms may be severe, with the potential for damaging winds. Small hail, dangerous cloud to ground lightning, and brief downpours can also be expected. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Heat Advisory. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Heat Advisory. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Burlington VT
1144 PM EDT SAT JUN 30 2018
VTZ001-002-016-010430-
Western Franklin-Grand Isle-Eastern Franklin-
1144 PM EDT SAT JUN 30 2018
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHEASTERN GRAND ISLE AND
SOUTHWESTERN FRANKLIN COUNTIES...
At 1144 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Alburgh,
moving southeast at 30 mph.
Winds in excess of 30 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Swanton Village, Bakersfield, Highgate Falls, St. Albans City,
Sheldon, Georgia, Swanton, St. Albans Town, South Alburgh, Highgate,
Alburgh, Georgia Center, Fairfield, Alburgh Village, Fairfax, North
Hero, Fletcher, Belvidere, Enosburg and Wagner Point.
LAT...LON 4480 7268 4479 7274 4477 7276 4469 7310
4495 7334 4496 7334 4501 7322 4502 7315
TIME...MOT...LOC 0344Z 307DEG 26KT 4493 7327
ClaySpecial Weather Statement National Weather Service Burlington VT 1245 AM EDT SUN JUL 1 2018 NYZ028-VTZ001>003-006>008-016-010545- Eastern Clinton-Caledonia-Western Franklin-Grand Isle-Washington-Eastern Franklin-Orleans-Lamoille- 1245 AM EDT SUN JUL 1 2018 ...AN AREA OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT NORTHEASTERN CLINTON...LAMOILLE...NORTHWESTERN CALEDONIA...SOUTHERN ORLEANS... NORTHERN GRAND ISLE...NORTHEASTERN WASHINGTON AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES... At 1245 AM EDT, strong thunderstorms were clustered over Rouses Point, moving southeast at 45 mph. Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail are possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Lyndon, Chazy, Mooers, Morrisville, Enosburg Falls, Orleans, Franklin, Champlain, Cambridge, Glover, Montgomery Center, Albany, Sheldon, Newark, Cabot Village, West Burke Village, Waterville, Irasburg, Morrisville Village and Woodbury. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. LAT...LON 4473 7190 4434 7221 4500 7377 4502 7286 TIME...MOT...LOC 0445Z 295DEG 41KT 4500 7338 Clay
The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
16 heat. Local standard time, as filed.
High temperatures in the upper 80s to upper 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s created dangerous heat indices in the 95 to 110 degree range between June 30th and July 5th.
Increased hospitalization visits occurred due to the dangerous heat.
High temperatures in the upper 80s to upper 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s created dangerous heat indices in the 95 to 110 degree range between June 30th and July 5th.
Increased hospitalization visits occurred due to the dangerous heat.
High temperatures in the upper 80s to upper 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s created dangerous heat indices in the 95 to 110 degree range between June 30th and July 5th.
Increased hospitalization visits occurred due to the dangerous heat.
High temperatures in the upper 80s to upper 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s created dangerous heat indices in the 95 to 110 degree range between June 30th and July 5th.
Increased hospitalization visits occurred due to the dangerous heat.
High temperatures in the upper 80s to upper 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s created dangerous heat indices in the 95 to 110 degree range between June 30th and July 5th.
Increased hospitalization visits occurred due to the dangerous heat.
High temperatures in the upper 80s to upper 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s created dangerous heat indices in the 95 to 110 degree range between June 30th and July 5th.
Increased hospitalization visits occurred due to the dangerous heat.
High temperatures in the upper 80s to upper 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s created dangerous heat indices in the 95 to 110 degree range between June 30th and July 5th.
Increased hospitalization visits occurred due to the dangerous heat.
High temperatures in the upper 80s to upper 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s created dangerous heat indices in the 95 to 110 degree range between June 30th and July 5th.
Increased hospitalization visits occurred due to the dangerous heat.
High temperatures in the upper 80s to upper 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s created dangerous heat indices in the 95 to 110 degree range between June 30th and July 5th.
Increased hospitalization visits occurred due to the dangerous heat.
High temperatures in the upper 80s to upper 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s created dangerous heat indices in the 95 to 110 degree range between June 30th and July 5th.
Increased hospitalization visits occurred due to the dangerous heat.
High temperatures in the upper 80s to upper 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s created dangerous heat indices in the 95 to 110 degree range between June 30th and July 5th.
One fatality was reported when a 67-year-old male died from Hyperthermia in his place of residence in Waterbury.
Increased hospitalization visits also occurred due to the dangerous heat.
High temperatures in the upper 80s to upper 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s created dangerous heat indices in the 95 to 110 degree range between June 30th and July 5th.
Increased hospitalization visits occurred due to the dangerous heat.
High temperatures in the upper 80s to upper 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s created dangerous heat indices in the 95 to 110 degree range between June 30th and July 5th.
Three fatalities were reported in official state health department records. A 79-year-old female in Essex Junction, 57-year-old female in Milton, and 71-year-old male all died in their places of residence from Hyperthermia.
Increased hospitalization visits also occurred due to the dangerous heat.
High temperatures in the upper 80s to upper 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s created dangerous heat indices in the 95 to 110 degree range between June 30th and July 5th.
Increased hospitalization visits occurred due to the dangerous heat.
High temperatures in the upper 80s to upper 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s created dangerous heat indices in the 95 to 110 degree range between June 30th and July 5th.
Increased hospitalization visits occurred due to the dangerous heat.
High temperatures in the upper 80s to upper 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s created dangerous heat indices in the 95 to 110 degree range between June 30th and July 5th.
Increased hospitalization visits occurred due to the dangerous heat.
As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.
| Event | Date | Age | Sex | Where | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat, Washington | 2018-07-03 | 67 | Male | Permanent Home | Direct |
| Heat, Western Chittenden | 2018-07-03 | 79 | Female | Permanent Home | Direct |
| Heat, Western Chittenden | 2018-07-01 | 57 | Female | Mobile/Trailer Home | Direct |
| Heat, Western Chittenden | 2018-07-03 | 71 | Male | Permanent Home | Direct |
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Vermont in 2018Every state in 2018This day in weather historyWarnings in Vermont, July 2018
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 755337, 755338, 755339, 755340, 755341, 755342, 755343, 755344, 755345, 755346, 755347, 755348, 755349, 755350, 755351, 755352.