WEATHER ALERT: 'Drenching' Rains Will End CT Drought, Torrid Heat

The sweltering heat is expected to end Wednesday night.

An upper-90-degree heat wave that’s capped almost two weeks without rain should end Wednesday night and Thursday as heavy rains are expected to arrive in the region.

The National Weather Service issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for all of Connecticut, saying showers and possibly some thunderstorms producing heavy rain may lead to flooding in poor drainage and low-lying areas through Thursday.

Click here for the latest local forecast.

Moderate Drought Conditions

Storm Team 8 Meteorologist Sam Kantrow said on WTNH News 8 that the state is six inches short of what’s considered normal for rainfall at this time of the year, or 15-percent off the mark.

He said it typically rains once every three days in Connecticut but that hasn’t been happening this summer, which has left the shoreline in a “moderate drought condition,” and inland areas aren’t far behind.

The lack of rain has left lawns that were once green now brown.

A number of towns have imposed water restrictions, and dozens of Connecticut school districts closed early on Tuesday as they battle the effects of heat and drought. A number of schools are also dismissing early on Wednesday as the heat wave holds on for one more day.

Anticipated Rainfall Totals

The NWS is forecasting between 1 and 1/12 inches of rain for all of Connecticut, which could start late Wednesday and continue until Friday morning. The heaviest rain is forecast for late Thursday evening. Most of Thursday is expected to be cloudy with some showers.

Here is the forecast through Friday:

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 10 am. Cloudy, with a high near 76. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Showers. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 65. North wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Friday: A chance of showers, mainly before noon. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 76. North wind 10 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Photo credit: Accuweather.com