Air quality poor for some spots as heat, humidity crank up in NH; some storms possible (2024)

The summerlike stretch begins Tuesday in New Hampshire.Highs will surge well into the 80s for much of the state on Tuesday and Wednesday, with some interior southern spots touching 90 degrees for the first time this year by Wednesday afternoon. Highs will be in the 80s on Thursday, as well. It will be cooler at the coastline.>> Interactive RadarWhile hot days are in the forecast, these will not quite be record-breaking temperatures. Records are in the mid-to-upper 90s for these days in May.Humidity will creep up as well this week, with dew points likely in the low 60s by late in the day on Wednesday. >> National Weather Service alerts and bulletinsAn air quality action day has been issued for parts of Cheshire, Hillsborough, Merrimack and Rockingham counties for Tuesday and Wednesday. That means people with sensitivities like asthma or other breathing problems may want to avoid being outdoors during the warm afternoon and evening hours.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<Staying cool in this type of weather is important, but cooling off in the water could be dangerous. Water temperatures in the ocean are only around 50 degrees, and lake temperatures aren’t much warmer.Body heat is lost about four times faster in cold water compared to cold air. When water temperatures are under 60 degrees, cold shock and hypothermia can develop in a matter of minutes.There is a small chance of pop-up showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. Tuesday. Storms are less likely on Wednesday. More showers and storms are likely for Thursday, which will be hot and humid again.>> Track storm chances in this hour-by-hour timeline:The heat and humidity should fade after any storms pass through Thursday night, setting up pleasant conditions for the Memorial Day weekend. It will be dry and more comfortable, with highs in the 70s from Friday through Sunday. Rain could move in on Memorial Day.Be weather-aware! Download the WMUR app for Apple or Android devices and turn on push notifications. You can choose to receive weather alerts for your geolocation and/or up to three ZIP codes. In addition, you can receive word when precipitation is coming to your area.Get storm coverage through the free Very Local app on your smart TV.Follow the Storm Watch 9 team on social media:Mike Haddad: Facebook | XKevin Skarupa: Facebook | XHayley LaPoint: Facebook | XJacqueline Thomas: Facebook | XMatt Hoenig: Facebook | X