As we move into mid-August, much of Connecticut is experiencing a slow but steady warm-up — and it could be the final official heatwave of the year. Model data suggest that several areas across the state may flirt with or exceed the 90°F mark in the coming days. If we see three consecutive days of 90°F or higher, it would meet the National Weather Service’s definition of a heatwave — something that becomes increasingly rare as summer begins to wind down.
GFS Model shows warmer-than-average air over New England next week
Why does this happen? By August, the sun’s angle is lower in the sky, and the atmosphere starts to shift. Even though afternoons can still feel hot, the mornings and evenings are cooler, and the humidity often begins to ease. It’s a subtle but noticeable change that many Connecticut residents start to feel — especially those who spend time outdoors.
One of the clearest signs of the seasonal shift is the earlier sunset. Across Connecticut, August 10 marks the last sunset of the year after 8:00 PM. From here on out, the evenings will arrive a little sooner each day, and the golden hour will start creeping into dinnertime.
In fact, Connecticut loses about 1 hour and 13 minutes of daylight during August. On August 1, most locations in the state enjoy around 14 hours and 24 minutes of daylight, but by August 31, that shrinks to about 13 hours and 11 minutes. That’s more than a minute of daylight lost per day — a quiet but steady reminder that autumn is on the horizon.
So while the heat may linger a little longer, nature is already preparing for the next season. Enjoy these final long evenings and warm afternoons — and maybe take a moment to catch one of the last late sunsets of the year.
