As the calendar flips to mid-August, both sides of the Atlantic are bracing for another round of punishing heat, with authorities in Connecticut and across England preparing for what could be the hottest stretch of weather so far this summer. The warnings come as meteorologists on both continents point to a confluence of weather events—some homegrown, others swept in from distant oceans—that are set to drive temperatures well above seasonal norms.
In Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont announced on Friday, August 8, that the state’s extreme hot weather protocol would be activated starting at noon on Monday, August 11, and remain in effect through at least 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 14. This move, according to FOX61, marks the fourth time this summer that Connecticut has faced a heat wave significant enough to trigger the state’s emergency response system. The National Weather Service, Lamont said, has warned that “this approaching heat wave may deliver the hottest stretch of weather Connecticut has experienced so far this summer.”
Under the protocol, state agencies, municipalities, and community partners are joining forces with United Way 211 to ensure that information about cooling centers is accessible to all residents. “By activating this protocol, we can help ensure that cooling centers open throughout the state and provide a place for people, especially those who are most vulnerable, to get some relief from the severely hot conditions,” Governor Lamont emphasized in a statement released by his office. Residents seeking respite from the heat can find a list of cooling centers at 211ct.org or by calling 2-1-1 directly.
Temperatures in Connecticut are expected to soar into the 90s Fahrenheit during the first part of the week—an oppressive forecast that has officials urging residents to take precautions. Among the state’s recommendations: stay inside air-conditioned buildings as much as possible, avoid outdoor activity during the hottest hours, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and take cool showers or baths. For those who must be outdoors, officials suggest limiting activity to the morning or evening and resting frequently in shady areas to allow the body to cool off.
Hydration is another key focus. Authorities recommend drinking more water than usual, not waiting until thirst sets in, and consuming two to four cups of water every hour when working or exercising outside. Alcohol and sugary drinks should be avoided, and residents are encouraged to remind others—especially the elderly, young children, and those with chronic illnesses—to stay hydrated. Pets, too, should be protected: animals left outdoors must have access to shade and water, and under no circumstances should they be left inside parked vehicles, where temperatures can become life-threatening within minutes.
Across the Atlantic, the UK is preparing for its own bout of extreme heat, driven in part by the remnants of Tropical Storm Dexter. According to the Met Office, ex-tropical Storm Dexter is expected to reach the southwest of the UK on Sunday, August 10, and into Monday, August 11, bringing with it wet and windy weather. However, the real story, as reported by multiple UK outlets, is the warm “Atlantic plume” that will follow in Dexter’s wake, sending temperatures soaring across much of England from Sunday through Wednesday.
Forecasts suggest that a heatwave could be officially registered in parts of southern and southeastern England early in the week. The Met Office predicts that temperatures will top 30°C (86°F) on Monday and Tuesday, with a 10 percent chance that readings could hit a sweltering 34°C (93°F) in southern areas. London is set for highs around 29°C on both Monday and Tuesday, climbing to 30°C on Wednesday and remaining elevated at 28°C on Thursday. Manchester, meanwhile, is expected to see highs of 25°C on Monday, rising to 27°C on Tuesday and Wednesday, and returning to 25°C on Thursday.
The Met Office’s definition of a heatwave—three consecutive days of temperatures exceeding prescribed thresholds—appears likely to be met in several regions. For most of the UK, the threshold is 25°C, with higher benchmarks for the South and East, and a 28°C requirement for London. “We’re confident that temperatures will increase markedly by the start of next week, reaching the low 30s Celsius in parts of England on Monday and perhaps the mid 30s in a few places on Tuesday,” said Steven Keates, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office. Still, Keates cautioned that “the length of this warm spell is still uncertain, and it is possible that high temperatures could persist further into next week, particularly in the south. Ex-Dexter sets the wheels in motion for an uptick in temperatures, but the weather patterns then maintaining any hot weather are rather more uncertain.”
While the UK is no stranger to summer heat, the prospect of temperatures reaching the mid-30s is enough to prompt concern, particularly after the havoc wreaked by Storm Floris earlier in the season. The Met Office, however, reassured the public that ex-tropical Storm Dexter is “unlikely” to be as severe as Floris, which caused widespread travel disruption and power outages. Instead, the focus now shifts to the health and safety risks posed by the coming heatwave.
Authorities on both sides of the Atlantic are urging residents to take simple but vital steps to protect themselves and their communities. In Connecticut, the message is clear: check on those most at risk—elderly neighbors, people with chronic health conditions, and young children—several times a day. In the UK, where many homes lack air conditioning, public health officials are advising people to keep curtains closed during the day, avoid strenuous activity, and use fans judiciously, as they are less effective at very high temperatures.
These warnings come amid a summer already marked by repeated heatwaves, with both Connecticut and England experiencing their fourth significant hot spell of the season. Meteorologists point to a combination of factors, including shifting jet stream patterns, the influence of tropical systems like Dexter, and the broader context of climate change, which is making extreme heat events more frequent and severe.
For now, though, the focus remains on the immediate challenge: enduring the days ahead safely. Whether in the shade of a Connecticut cooling center or behind drawn curtains in a London flat, millions will be seeking relief from the relentless sun. The coming week will test not just the resilience of infrastructure and emergency systems, but also the simple acts of community and care that can make all the difference when the mercury rises.
As the heat settles in, officials are hoping that vigilance and preparation will see both regions through what could be the hottest—and most challenging—week of the summer yet.
