Record heat sweeps the North Country as temps hit new highs and burn restrictions stay in place
WATERTOWN, N.Y. — A scorching Tuesday left the North Country sweating through heat that shattered several local records. The mercury climbed to 94 degrees in Massena and Lowville, far exceeding old marks set decades ago (Massena’s 1988 record was 91, Lowville’s 1939 record was 92). The Watertown International Airport logged 91 degrees, surpassing the 2016 high of 90 degrees. Forecasters from the National Weather Service say the North Country’s high for August 12 was expected to be around 79 degrees, illustrating how quickly the cooling trend can arrive after a hot spell.
The heat also took a toll on the landscape. Grass appeared browner and the ground crunchier than usual as drought conditions took hold. In Alexandria, firefighters supervised a controlled burn to prevent anything from getting out of hand, a precaution that became more common as dryness persisted. With the dry spell, St. Lawrence County extended its burn ban through the weekend.
Indoor spaces became a refuge for many. The Watertown YMCA reported rising summer attendance, noting that air-conditioned facilities attracted people seeking relief from the heat. “With the excessive heat outside, we’re seeing a lot of indoor usage, really at all of our locations, but mainly at the downtown branch because we are air conditioned,” said Shawna Cutuli, CEO of the Watertown Family YMCA.
Meanwhile, the heat drew visitors outdoors as well. The Kyzer family, visiting from Arkansas for a picnic in Thompson Park, found the weather surprisingly comfortable by their standards. “Pretty much, we have two seasons back home. We go from summer to winter, and we don’t have much of a fall. For us, it’s a beautiful fall day,” they noted.
The region remains in a dry spell, though officials emphasize the summer’s rainfall hasn’t been exceptionally low overall. Data from the National Weather Service show Watertown receiving about 3 inches of rain since July, ranking it as the 36th driest summer on record dating back to 1949. The agency also points out that, despite the current heat, this summer hasn’t been markedly drier than many previous summers.
What to watch next: forecasters expect cooler air to move in, with the North Country’s typical summer pattern returning in the days ahead. Local authorities will continue monitoring fire risk and rainfall totals as they manage burn bans and other precautions.
Extra context and outlook:
– Record highs were reached in multiple communities, signaling how heat waves can concentrate in this region.
– The burn ban remains in effect due to ongoing dryness, underscoring the importance of precautionary measures as outdoor activity resumes.
– Community resources like cooling centers and indoor recreation facilities play a crucial role in helping residents cope with extreme heat.
Summary: A hot stretch pushed local temperatures to record levels across the North Country, prompting fire safety measures and greater use of air-conditioned indoor spaces. While the heat was intense, forecasters expect relief soon as cooler conditions return, and the region continues to balance drought concerns with public health and safety efforts.
Commentary:
– The episode underscores the value of accessible cooling centers and indoor spaces during heat waves, especially for vulnerable populations.
– The mix of record heat and sustained dryness highlights the ongoing need for water conservation and fire prevention in local planning and community messaging.
– There’s cautious optimism in the forecast, suggesting a more tolerable pattern ahead that could help ease both outdoor activities and environmental stress.
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