Boston started Monday, June 29, in a sticky haze, with temperatures sitting around 66°F at Logan Airport and humidity in the upper 80s. A mostly sunny day is on tap, with a high near 77°F and light northeast winds. Enjoy the relatively mild setup while it lasts, because a sharp warm-up is expected midweek that could force many residents to rethink outdoor plans.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for the Boston area from Wednesday morning through Friday evening (Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3), warning of “dangerously hot conditions” and heat index values up to about 111°F, according to NWS Boston/Norton. The office urges residents to “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”
Afternoon Heat Peaks Midweek
Once the watch kicks in, temperatures climb in a hurry. Forecasts call for highs near 90°F on Wednesday, then a jump into the upper 90s on Thursday, with the mid 90s hanging on Friday. Urban neighborhoods and river valleys are expected to feel the worst of it, with heat building on concrete and asphalt.
Overnight offers little help. Lows are expected to stay in the 70s, limiting the typical nighttime cooldown that usually gives folks a break. For anyone without reliable air conditioning, that lack of relief could be a big part of the problem.
Showers And Thunderstorms Possible Late Week
Shortwave disturbances may bring showers and thunderstorms Tuesday night, June 30, and again later in the week. Forecast guidance shows a better chance for storms late Thursday into Friday. Any storms that do pop up could be brief but heavy, so it is worth having an indoor backup plan if you are banking on outdoor time.
Where To Cool Off
If the forecast holds, Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers and other public spaces will serve as cooling centers during heat emergencies. Residents can call 3-1-1 or look up available sites on the city’s heat resources page, according to Boston.gov. The city also maintains a cooling-resources map and lists pools, libraries and misting-tent locations that will be open during extended hot spells…