Heat Waves

July saw dangerously hot and humid temperatures over much of the eastern United States. Two offshore wind projects near New England delivered hundreds of megawatts of electric power to the grid as residents cranked up their air conditioners. Thanks to the recently added wind power, utilities did not need to rely as much on dirty, expensive oil-burning peaker plants – the kind that only operate when electricity demand is very high.

As of mid-July, there have been three major heatwaves in western Europe this summer. An early intense heatwave in May was followed by an exceptionally severe heatwave in late June that broke all-time records across the region. A third heatwave in July swept through France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and elsewhere.

As a heat wave hits the Capital Region, Albany and Troy are moving forward with plans to open brand-new public pools.

The late May heatwave in Europe has broken records in more than half a dozen countries. For example, in Oxford, England, where a continuously operating weather station has been keeping records since 1815, a new May record was set on the 26th at nearly 93 degrees Fahrenheit. London reached 95 degrees; the highest temperature ever registered this early in the year.

City opens cooling centers, urges people to hydrate

It will be harder to find relief from the heat this summer in the largest city in western Massachusetts. Typically during heat waves, the city of…

Another heat wave is gripping much of the WAMC listening area today, including the Hudson Valley and Capital Region. There is a heat advisory and the…

Experts at the State University of New York system are warning New Yorkers to stay safe as the mercury rises. SUNY is sharing tips for staying healthy…

Capital Region cities are preparing for stifling heat and humidity forecast for the July 4th holiday. With the mercury rising Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan…

The dangerously high heat and humidity have prompted several agencies to implement emergency measures.The National Weather Service says the heat index has…