Weather Forecast: Even More of the Same

You know the saying: “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.”

That’s becoming a more common expression in Vermont and New Hampshire these days.  We’ve already slogged through our first summer heat wave – five consecutive days of 90-degree-plus heat in late June.  The first half of July holds more of the same.  While forecast highs may not get back into the 90s, nighttime lows are expected to stay well into the 60s, with oppressive levels of humidity.

It’s the high humidity – not the heat – that keeps nighttime temperatures from cooling off.  And it’s the persistence of this stifling air that makes heat waves the leading cause of weather-related deaths in America – twice that of tornadoes.  Simple fans and air conditioners can be real lifesavers at times like this!

The northern tier of the United States didn’t used to worry much about summer heat waves.  But in the last 50 years, average temperatures in Northern New England have gone up more than 2 degrees F, making readings in the 90s much easier to reach.  While the mercury here in the Upper Valley still almost never gets to 95 degrees, such scorching weather could average one day per week by the summer of 2050. 

And, by 2100, extreme heat could add up to more than a month of summer days, if current emission trends continue.

Credit: Climate Central

So, if you’ve been putting off a purchase of a new air conditioner, now may be a good time to act.  Better still, consider an electric heat pump that provides energy-efficient heating as well as cooling.  Powered by one of our Solar Trackers, you could save thousands of dollars in heating and air conditioning bills, and shrink your carbon footprint, even as the heat waves mount!

Solaflect Energy is your home energy management partner to help you navigate a future that’s coming at us faster than ever.  We provide solar and clean energy solutions that are safe, affordable and close to home.  The power is in our hands to make a difference!

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