The dog days of summer were in full swing over the weekend, with residents flocking to the water or seeking relief in air conditioned spaces.
The heat index hit 100 degrees Saturday and the hot, sticky weather continued into Sunday, according to Bill Simpson, spokesman for the National Weather Service in Taunton.
According to Simpson, this weekend’s heat feels particularly oppressive because the high temperature is paired with a high dew point.
Typically, temperatures have to be lower for moisture to condense on the ground, Simpson said. But on Sunday, the dew point was 71 degrees and temperatures hovered in the low-90s.
“That’s when it gets ridiculous,” Simpson said. “It’s definitely noticeable.”
The heat index is calculated based on a combination of temperature and humidity, which is determined by dew point.
The temperature hit 92 Saturday and Sunday. A heavy thunderstorm passed through the region Saturday night, but did nothing to break the heat. Showers and thunderstorms were also possible Sunday evening.
More bearable weather is on the way, according to Simpson. Monday’s forecast predicts temperatures will reach into the upper 80s, but dew points will be in the mid-60s, lowering the heat index. The rest of the week should bring temperatures in the mid-80s, according to the weather service.
Simpson said there were 17 days in July when temperatures exceeded 90 degrees. Sunday was the sixth day in August where temperatures reached that threshold.
“It’s normally around 10 days in July, so it’s a little above average,” Simpson said.