As always, the changing season requires responders and the public to modify their preparedness posture, and now is the time to think of summer heat. May 31st was Heat Safety Awareness Day, an opportunity to start planning.
The National Weather Service (NWS) says a warming climate means a longer season of warmth. While Vermont will enjoy many pleasant days, meteorological data indicate we will continue to see an increase in the number of extreme heat days and overall higher temperatures—conditions that lead to more heat-related illnesses.
According to a Health Department analysis, hot weather can be harmful to people living in Vermont when heat index values reach the 80s. Health risks further increase by two to four times when the heat index exceeds 90°F. Those impacts are more severe for people at high risk of heat-related illness and even death, including those who are unhoused, people who work or exercise outdoors, older adults, young children, and those who may live alone without social supports.
Municipalities should have a plan for the summer months. Establish a public cooling center for heat waves, like a town office, library, or school. Many cities and towns also have public places like air-conditioned malls, public beaches, or other areas where people can cool off.
Towns can utilize the Vermont Local Hot Weather Preparedness Guidance and Planning Guide and Template, which is specifically designed to support municipalities with hot weather planning. These resources can be found at www.HealthVermont.gov/Hot-Weather.
The Vermont Department of Health lists places where the public can escape the heat. The locations map can be found on the department’s heat safety page at www.HealthVermont.gov/Hot-Weather, and towns can report additional locations just above the map on that same site.
A town that establishes a special cooling center can also report it to Vermont Emergency Management at vtjic@vermont.gov. VEM will include it on its website and promote the page on social media channels.
NWS says summer heat generally peaks in Vermont from mid-June to mid-August, yet Vermont can see temperatures in the 80s as early as mid-April and as late as October. In addition, summer average temperatures have increased 2 to 3 degrees since 1970.
Recent climatological studies (2002-2022) show that the number of 85-degree or warmer days ranged from 8 to 15 days in northeast Vermont, 15 to 25 days in the interior valleys, and 25 to 35 days in the Champlain and lower-mid Connecticut River valleys.
Heat safety information
Watch for symptoms of heat illness:
Symptoms of heat-related illnesses can include muscle cramps, heavy sweating, nausea, headache, or light-headedness. Most can be treated with fluids and by resting in a cooler place. If symptoms persist or worsen, or someone you are with seems confused or loses consciousness, dial 9-1-1 immediately for medical help.
Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated, Stay Informed:
- Look Before You Lock! – Never leave children, people with a disability, older adults, or pets in parked vehicles.
- Drink plenty of water, or non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
- Take frequent breaks and seek relief in air-conditioned or other cool and shady places – Find public cooling locations at HealthVermont.gov/hot-weather.
- Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
- Close window shades during the day, keep windows closed when it is hotter outside than inside, and avoid using appliances and lights that generate heat.
- Check on loved ones and neighbors, especially those living alone and without air conditioning.
Heat Safety and Forecast Resources
- Heat Safety Tips and Cooling Sites Map – HealthVermont.gov/Hot-Weather (Information in multiple languages)
- NWS Heat Safety and Resources - Weather.gov/safety/heat
- NWS Burlington Heat page – Weather.gov/btv/heat
- NWS Heat Risk page (NEW/Experimental) - wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC.gov/disasters/extremeheat