The forecast for the Berkshires is hot, hotter and are we in Florida over the next couple days.
The National Weather Service is warning that the heat index — a combination of temperature and humidity — is going to reach the 100 degree mark. A heat advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday.
High humidity and heat means perspiration, the way we naturally cool ourselves, will not be able to evaporate and will make the body feel warmer. The heat index chart calls for "extreme caution" and prolonged exposure can cause heat stroke, cramps or exhaustion. Moving into the "danger" level of 103-124 degrees increases the chances of heat stroke.
The best way to avoid heat-related injury is to drink plenty of fluids and stay in air-conditioned areas. Check on relatives and neighbors and never leave pets or children in cars. If working in hot conditions, take frequent rest breaks in cooled or shaded areas.
Accuweather says the steamy air over the Northeast will generate severe thunderstorms through the end fo the week. The Berkshires will have a "real feel" temperature of between a 100 and 110 degrees.
"The Northeast will be stuck in a very active weather pattern through the rest of the week as several disturbances sweep through the region," AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex DaSilva said. "While many storms will bring heavy downpours, a few storms are likely to turn severe and bring localized damaging winds, flooding downpours, hail and even isolated tornadoes, with an AccuWeather 'Local StormMax' of 80 mph."
The Berkshires and much of New York State and eastern Vermont on the long end of a system stretching Kansas City that could bring heavy rain, hail and damaging winds through the evening. Thousands were without power across the Midwest and mid-Atlantic states.
Friday will continue to be muggy and humid but the weekend is expected to drier and cooler.
[Severe Weather Potential] In addition to the excessive heat/humidity, the potential for severe thunderstorms moving in from the west exists between 5 pm and 11 pm this evening. Damaging wind gusts, brief torrential rain and localized street flooding are the main risks. pic.twitter.com/1ZCt6pIoro
So much of the Lower 48 states is hot Thursday... 150 million Americans under heat alerts, with intense heat domes over the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast: https://t.co/j10u98DeIB
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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