News Summary
Boston’s attempt for an official heat wave was thwarted as temperatures reached the upper 80s, just shy of the required threshold. While cloud cover limited peak heating, other Southern New England areas exceeded 90 degrees. Heavy thunderstorms and showers brought brief relief as the region braces for continued warm and humid conditions. Residents should prepare for potential flooding due to anticipated rainfall, while staying informed about the shifting weather patterns affecting their daily activities.
Boston’s Heat Wave Bid Fails as Temperature Reaches Upper 80s
Boston’s attempt for an official heat wave came to an end on Wednesday afternoon as temperatures recorded at Logan Airport reached the upper 80s but fell short of the required thresholds for a heat wave declaration. Despite cloud cover limiting peak heating, other areas in Southern New England experienced temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, including Hartford and Springfield.
The hottest temperatures noted in the region were observed in Southern New Hampshire and Maine, where cities like Concord and Manchester soared into the mid-90s. Just as the heat settled in, showers and thunderstorms rolled into the area on Wednesday afternoon, bringing brief respite from the rising temperatures.
Upcoming Weather Predictions
Residents can expect to wake up to patchy fog on Thursday morning, with conditions clearing fairly quickly throughout the day. Temperatures are anticipated to remain in the mid- to upper 80s across Greater Boston under mostly cloudy skies, with dew points rising into the low 70s, increasing humidity levels and discomfort.
A weather front is set to cross the region, bringing afternoon and early evening showers and thunderstorms primarily across Greater Boston and southeastern New England. While the chance of severe thunderstorms is low, local forecasts indicate the potential for heavy downpours, which could lead to areas of localized flooding. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time due to the expected weather conditions.
Temperature and Rainfall Overview
Morning temperatures on Thursday are projected to be in the 70s, with most areas reaching highs in the mid- to upper 80s. The humid conditions will also exacerbate storm fuel, increasing the risk of brief but heavy rainfall. Rainfall estimates for Thursday are expected to vary, with some areas experiencing less than a tenth of an inch, while others may accumulate nearly an inch of rain. The heaviest precipitation is forecasted to sweep from Southeast Connecticut through Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, with a marginal risk of flooding due to high rainfall rates affecting Southern Maine and Southeastern New England.
Regional Weather Conditions
The general weather outlook for the region includes:
- Greater Boston: Cloudy with temperatures in the mid- to upper 80s and muggy conditions.
- Southeastern Massachusetts: Mostly cloudy with lows near 80.
- Central/Western Massachusetts: Upper 80s for most areas with scattered thunderstorms.
- The Cape and Islands: Highs around 80 with localized downpours possible.
- New Hampshire: Mostly cloudy with mid- to upper 80s and possible thunderstorms.
- Vermont: Drier conditions with highs around 80.
- Coastal Maine: Mid- to upper 80s with afternoon storm chances.
Context of the Heatwave
This latest heat event marks the third heat wave for Boston this summer, alongside a fourth occurrence for several nearby towns. The previous days had seen record-high temperatures across the interior Northeast, including Burlington, Vermont, which reached 98 degrees. Earlier in the week, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu had declared a heat emergency, emphasizing the importance of public safety and wellness during the oppressive weather conditions.
Residents are urged to limit outdoor activities whenever possible, stay hydrated, and remain vigilant about recognizing symptoms of heat-related illnesses. As the region navigates through these fluctuating weather patterns, staying informed will be crucial to ensuring safety and comfort.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: Boston’s Heat Wave
- Wikipedia: Heat Wave
- Boston Globe: Heat Maps and Forecast
- Google Search: Boston’s Heat Wave
- CBS News: Boston Heatwave Advisory
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Boston.com: Boston MA Heat Wave
- Google News: Boston Weather
- Patch: MA Beaches Closed During Heatwave
- NBC Boston: Boston Heat Emergency
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.
