Heat wave sizzles on today in Southern New Hampshire

Related Photos

Rick Metts, owner of the Clam Haven in Derry is having a hard time standing the heat in his kitchen. Allegra Boverman
Staying cool in the water is RJ Crossman, 5, of Derry at Gallien's Beach on Beaver Lake, Derry. The hot weather is expected to continue through today. Tim Jean

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September 2, 2010

By Doug Ireland direland@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Thu Sep 02, 2010, 01:24 AM EDT

A fifth day of 90-degree heat is expected to hit Southern New Hampshire today, prompting the state to issue an air quality advisory.

But it won't set a record like yesterday when the temperature soared to 95 degrees. Or like Tuesday, another record-breaking day, when it was 94, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Steve Caprioli.

It's an official heat wave, he said. Today's sweltering heat will be followed by temperatures in the mid-80s tomorrow when the wind and rain of Hurricane Earl pelt the region.

The lower temperature will provide welcomed relief to the many Southern New Hampshire residents who battled yesterday's brutal heat, which broke a 57-year-old record, Caprioli said. The Weather Service issued a heat advisory and the state declared yesterday and today Air Quality Action days in Rockingham County because of unhealthy air pollution levels.

In downtown Derry, an eight-man crew was busy at work in the hot sun, making special imprints on a newly paved sidewalk, also known as "street printing," which involves heating asphalt to an estimated 1,600 degrees.

The workers, employees of Continental Paving in Londonderry, wiped beads of sweat from their brows as a propane-powered heater spewed clouds of steam and an occasional flame. They took the heat in stride, accepting it as part of the job.

"We're used to it," foreman Fred McQuesten said. "It's been hot all summer. You drink a lot of water. It will be nice to see fall."

The 52-year-old Litchfield man said workers often take salt tablets to help keep their bodies stabilized in the hot weather.

"We've never had anyone collapse," he added. "Traffic is more of a danger than getting dehydrated."

For some people, seeking the cool comfort of the local beach was the best way to beat the heat.

As scarlet leaves lay in the sand of Gallien's Beach at Beaver Lake in Derry, a sure sign that autumn is on its way, children played in the water as their mothers watched.

Mary Foti, Nancy Anderson and Ruth Bergan, all of Derry, decided the best way to cool off was to plunk their chairs right into several inches of water.

"The water is perfect," Bergan said.

The three women were among a large group attending the Derry Recreation Department's annual senior center picnic.

While the heat usually isn't much of a problem this time of year, recreation director Eric Bodenrader said they took precautions and put up a huge white tent.

"We're trying to keep them cool any way we can," he said. "You kind of have to go with it when 110 seniors are ready to rock and roll."

Under the big tent, 93-year-old Anne Davis of Londonderry played cards with friends Doris Pierce, 82, and Helen Scribner, 87, both of Manchester. They weren't big fans of the heat.

"Oh, I can't stand it," Davis said. "It's terrible."

If not for the special occasion, the women said they would just as soon have stayed home.

"I haven't seen it this hot in I don't know when," Pierce said. "I usually stay inside."

Down the street, the electronic sign at the Derry Fire Department flashed the message "Fire Danger High" along with the temperature, which had reached 94 degrees as of 11:30 a.m.

While it was extremely hot outside, officials at area schools were busy trying to beat the heat inside since few have air conditioning.

It happened to be the first day of classes at many schools and a rude awakening in more ways than one for students returning after a long summer break.

But officials in the Salem, Windham, Pelham and Timberlane school districts said they took precautions by making sure there were plenty of fans available to keep the staff and students cool. Recesses were moved inside in some cases. In nearby Hudson, school was canceled for today due to anticipated high temperatures.

"Many teachers have brought in fans and we are making sure kids are hydrated," said Janice Wilkins, principal of North Salem Elementary School.

Despite the heat, the first day was also a smooth one for Windham and Pelham schools, according to Superintendent Frank Bass.

"The fans are on and the windows are open," he said. "School has hit the ground running."

The second day of school will also be hot but not a record-breaker.

The temperature is expected to hit about 93 today, according to the National Weather Service. That's far short of the record for the day, 98 degrees in 1953.

This is expected to be the fifth consecutive day of 90-degree heat before temperatures fall into the 80s tomorrow.

Both the Weather Service and the state Department of Environmental Services recommend people take precautions today to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat.

Anyone with heart or respiratory ailments should avoid strenuous activity.

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