The statewide group NH Healthy Climate is reminding New Hampshire residents to plan for summer heat waves.
According to existing data, the frequency of heat waves has increased steadily since the 1960s. The last ten years were the warmest years on record, and the Earth’s average surface temperature in 2024 was the warmest on record since record keeping began in 1880.
New Hampshire is not immune to extreme heat.
In the last decade Concord has experienced on average 7 more days of extreme heat –defined as days with “feels like” temperatures of over 90 degrees F. In July 2024, Manchester experienced a record 14 days in a row with temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
Outdoor workers, infants, student athletes and older residents are especially vulnerable. “People can prepare themselves and families and neighbors by keeping three things in mind: schedule, shade and hydration”, explained Robert Dewey, MD and vice chair of the NHHC board.
“Use the early morning and evening hours for errands, exercise and outside chores. Avoid direct exposure to the sun – green spaces, trees, and vegetation reduce the intensity of the sun’s radiation, making it feel cooler. And drink plenty of water while avoiding caffeine and sugary drinks. Experts recommend a glass of water every hour even if you’re not thirsty.”
The state and a number of local municipalities will have cooling centers in place when heat waves are anticipated, NH Healthy Climate reminds people to call 211 for up-to- date information on the location and availability of cooling centers. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will update NH211 and post cooling center locations on their website dhhs.nh.gov.
NH Healthy Climate is a statewide group of healthcare professionals working to educate citizens and decision makers on the public health consequences of climate change.
Members include pediatricians, family doctors, behavioral health specialists, clinicians nurses and surgeons, practicing or retired. To learn more visit nhclimatehealth.org Bob Dewey is a retired Interventional Cardiologist who practiced for 30 years at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, NH. While caring for complex cardiac patients, he witnessed how extreme heat and poor air quality would complicate these patients’ care.
Bob has been a community volunteer and is past president and a long-standing board member of the NH affiliate of the American Heart Association.