By the middle of this century, parts of New England will see a dozen or more days that feel like at least 100 degrees, according to a study published this week by the Cambridge-based Union of Concerned Scientists.
The “feels like” temperature in the summer, also known as the heat index, is calculated by combining the actual temperature and the humidity.
This weekend, for example, temperatures will reach the upper 90s to near 100. When you factor in dew points over 70, which represents oppressive humidity, the heat index will be in the 100-110 range.
While there are occasionally days that feel like 100 degrees during the summer in New England, the average of those type days each year, for each New England state, is currently zero.
Below you will find a summary of what to expect in each New England state as temperatures and humidity continue to climb, as this study projects, assuming greenhouse gas emissions stay steady.
Connecticut
U.S. & World
By 2050: an average of 13 days feeling like 100 or higher
By 2100: an average of 32 days feeling like 100 or higher
Maine
By 2050: an average of 2 days feeling like 100 or higher
By 2100: An average of 11 days feeling like 100 or higher
Massachusetts
By 2050: An average of 10 days feeling like 100 or higher
By 2100: An average of 26 days feeling like 100 or higher
New Hampshire
By 2050: An average of 6 days feeling like 100 or higher
By 2100: An average of 19 days feeling like 100 or higher
Rhode Island
By 2050: An average of 11 days feeling like 100 or higher
By 2100: An average of 29 days feeling like 100 or higher
Vermont
By 2050: An average of 4 days feeling like 100 or higher
By 2100: An average of 15 days feeling like 100 or higher
