News Summary
New England is facing a serious heat wave, with temperatures in Boston expected to rise above 97 degrees this week. The heat advisory extends across Massachusetts and neighboring states, prompting warnings about extreme conditions. Residents are urged to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure as humidity levels remain high. Following this heat wave, a return to cooler temperatures is expected, potentially accompanied by heavy rainfall.
Boston, MA – New England is in the throes of a heat wave, with dangerously high heat indexes expected to reach between 95 and 100 degrees this week. The heat wave commenced on Monday and is projected to last through Wednesday, prompting heat advisories across the Boston area and most of Massachusetts, excluding Cape Cod and western regions of the state. Similar advisories are in effect for Rhode Island, southern New Hampshire, and most of Connecticut.
Forecasts indicate that Tuesday will be the hottest day, with temperatures in Boston expected to exceed 97 degrees, and heat indexes could soar into triple digits. This marks the third heat wave to hit the Boston area this summer, following previous waves from July 6 to 8. The current heat wave has placed a significant portion of the Eastern United States under heat advisories or warnings, affecting the eastern Plains, Midwest, Ohio River Valley, and Southeast.
Health Precautions and Weather Alerts
In light of the extreme temperatures, the National Weather Service has issued key advice for residents: stay cool, hydrated, and informed. People are urged to drink plenty of fluids, seek air conditioning whenever possible, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Evenings during the heat wave are expected to remain muggy, with temperatures only dipping into the 70s through Wednesday.
The WBZ Weather Team has identified Tuesday and Wednesday as NEXT Weather Alert Days due to the anticipated extreme conditions. Although Wednesday’s temperatures are projected to be slightly “cooler,” high humidity will linger, preventing significant relief.
Climate Conditions and Temperature Expectations
A strong area of high pressure is responsible for the oppressive heat, hindering the movement of cooler Canadian air and maintaining elevated humidity levels. There is also a chance that air quality could deteriorate in the region due to smoke being transported across states.
Different cities in New England will experience varying conditions during the heat wave:
- Greater Boston: Mostly sunny with mid-90s temperatures.
- Central/Western Massachusetts: Low to mid-90s and ample sunshine.
- Southeastern Massachusetts: Expected to top 90 degrees, with a chance of thunderstorms.
- Cape and Islands: Temperatures in the 80s, accompanied by high humidity.
- Rhode Island: Temperatures also in the 90s with a possibility of thunderstorms.
- New Hampshire: Low to mid-90s anticipated, along with chances for showers or thunderstorms.
Record Temperature Projections
Boston has already seen 14 days of temperatures reaching or exceeding 90 degrees, a figure expected to surpass the annual average by the month’s end. There is the potential for record-breaking temperatures in Boston and Worcester during this heat wave. Following the heat wave, the region can expect a return to cooler temperatures on Thursday, potentially dropping into the low 70s.
The end of the heat wave may also bring with it heavy rainfall due to a passing frontal boundary expected on Thursday and Friday. Monday’s temperature at Logan Airport remained just below 90 degrees due to a coastal air flow; however, inland areas reported temperatures surpassing the 90-degree mark, confirming the existence of a heat wave outside the immediate shoreline.
Residents are advised to continue monitoring the weather as conditions can change rapidly. It is essential to remain vigilant regarding heat safety precautions during this challenging weather period.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Extreme Heat in Massachusetts
- Wikipedia: Heat Wave
- Turn to 10: Extreme Heat Alert
- Google Search: Heat Wave Precautions
- Boston Globe: Heat Wave Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Temperature
- Cape Cod Times: MA Heatwave Forecast
- Google News: Boston Heat Wave
