Heat waves are nothing new in the big cities of the Northeast. However, the frequency/length of the heat waves this summer has been unusual. Boston, Providence, and Hartford all average at least one heat wave per year. This year, Boston and Hartford are currently in the midst of their third heat wave in the past month, and Providence is in its second extended heat wave. The following statistics for the four major climatology sites in Southern New England were compiled by the Northeast Regional Climate Center.
Boston
- Averages 1.27 heat waves per year since 1936
- Last year without a heat wave – 2005
- Most heat waves in one year – 5 (1949)
- Last 7+ day heat wave – 8/11/2002 – 8/18/2002 (8 days)
- Longest heat wave – 8 days (most recently in 2002)
- Last time with three heat waves in a one-month span – 1983
Providence
- 1.06 heat waves per year since 1932
- Last year without a heat wave – 2011
- Most heat waves in one year – 4 (most recently in 2002)
- Last 7+ day heat wave – 7/28/2006 – 8/3/2006 (7 days)
- Longest heat wave – 7 days (most recently in 2006)
Hartford
- 2.2 heat waves per year since 1949
- Last year without a heat wave – 2004
- Most heat waves in one year – 7 (1949)
- Last 7+ day heat wave – 8/15/2009 – 8/21/2009 (7 days)
- Longest heat wave – 10 days (7/24/2005 – 8/2/2005)
- Last time with three heat waves in a one-month span – 2012
Worcester
- 0.32 heat waves per year since 1948
- Last year without a heat wave – 2012
- Most heat waves in one year – 3 (most recently in 1988)
- Longest heat wave – 6 days (8/10/1988 – 8/15/1988)
- As of Monday, July 15, 2013 Worcester had not reached 90° in 2013