News Summary
A record-breaking heat wave in Massachusetts has resulted in extensive power outages across the region, affecting thousands of homes and businesses. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency reported over 13,556 outages, with the highest impact in Suffolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory, warning of dangerously high temperatures and heat index values. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, seek cooling areas, and monitor the well-being of vulnerable community members as temperatures are expected to drop in the following days.
Boston, Massachusetts – Thousands of homes and businesses in Massachusetts are experiencing power outages due to a record-breaking heat wave affecting the region. As of 3 p.m. on Wednesday, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reported over 1,000 power outages, primarily concentrated in Suffolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties. The situation escalated on Tuesday night, particularly in Middleboro, where a significant portion of the town lost power.
The extreme heat has prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a heat advisory for several counties, including Franklin, Middlesex, Hampshire, Hampden, Worcester, Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth, which is in effect until 7 p.m. on Wednesday. The forecast indicates a heat index that could soar up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in hazardous conditions that could lead to heat illnesses.
In light of the soaring temperatures, residents are advised to stay hydrated, remain in air-conditioned areas, minimize sun exposure, and check on the well-being of neighbors and relatives. The region anticipates a significant temperature drop starting Thursday, which will bring some relief from the extreme heat.
The heat wave’s impact has been widespread, contributing to over 13,556 customers without power across Massachusetts by 10 p.m. on Tuesday night. Communities such as Westford and Tyngsborough reported that more than 10% of their residents were without electricity. By shortly before midnight on Tuesday, the total number of outages had decreased to over 11,000.
In response to the outages, Nichols Middle School in Middleborough opened its doors as a cooling center on Tuesday evening. The local gas and electric utility reported a significant outage around 5 p.m. that day, highlighting the extensive nature of the issue.
The New England Independent System Operator (NE-ISO) activated reserves following an unexpected loss of power generation. Although no conservation alerts were issued, an Energy Emergency Alert was declared as a precautionary measure. Tuesday recorded temperatures reaching 101 degrees, making it the hottest June day ever recorded in Boston and the hottest since July 1977. Furthermore, heat index values in some areas were reported to be as high as 110°F.
In an attempt to cope with the heat, residents across the region have turned to creative DIY solutions, such as placing ice-filled bowls in front of fans or using aluminum foil to block sunlight from entering homes. Additionally, extreme heat campaigns in New York City have emphasized the need for provisions of air conditioning and water at polling stations to ensure voter safety during this period.
The severe weather conditions have resulted in tragic consequences, with at least one heat-related death reported in Missouri, underscoring the dangers associated with high temperatures. Officials have stressed the importance of staying hydrated and monitoring the mental health impacts that can arise from such oppressive heat. Furthermore, black flag conditions have been enforced in certain areas as a safety measure.
Beyond its effect on residents, the heat wave has also impacted local wildlife, prompting officials to recommend providing water access for animals in affected areas. Rail and bus services across 26 states reported they were operating at reduced speeds, affected by the heat impacting service infrastructure.
As the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of this extreme weather event, authorities remain vigilant in their response efforts, encouraging the public to prioritize safety and well-being during this challenging heat wave.
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Additional Resources
- Boston 25 News
- Boston.com
- NBC Boston
- MassLive
- The Boston Globe
- Wikipedia: Heat Wave
- Google Search: heat wave 2025
- Google Scholar: heat wave impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heat Wave
- Google News: Massachusetts power outages
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
