News Summary
An extreme heat wave is sweeping across New England, with temperatures soaring into the upper 90s. Officials have issued heat emergencies and air quality alerts. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities as the heat is expected to persist through midweek. Low humidity levels may mitigate some discomfort, but drought concerns are rising. A cold front is anticipated to bring relief by the weekend. This heat wave poses risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, reminding everyone to take necessary precautions.
Boston, MA – An extreme heat wave is sweeping across New England, bringing soaring temperatures that are already reaching the upper 90s. This intense heat is expected to persist through midweek, prompting officials to issue heat emergencies and air quality alerts throughout the region.
High pressure and a southerly airflow are primarily responsible for the prolonged heat, contributing to an influx of warm air. Boston has declared a heat emergency through Wednesday, as the temperature is projected to peak in the low to mid-90s, with some areas experiencing heat indices in the upper 90s. Logan Airport recently exceeded 90 degrees, effectively marking the onset of an official heat wave for this summer.
In addition to heat advisories issued for parts of New Hampshire through Tuesday, air quality alerts have been activated for most of Southern New England. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and check in on those who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, such as the elderly and young children.
Despite the heat, there is a notable difference this time around: the dew points and humidity levels are lower than those seen in previous heat waves, making it feel humid but less oppressive. Dew points are forecasted to vary between the low to mid-60s across the area, in contrast to the high humidity often associated with extreme heat. However, the combination of heat and low humidity raises concerns about potential drought conditions due to the extended dry weather.
On Tuesday night, temperatures are expected to drop to the upper 60s to low 70s as residents brace for another day of heat on Wednesday. Light winds and mostly sunny skies are anticipated, though some haze from Canadian wildfires may be present in the air. While temperatures at the immediate coast will remain slightly cooler, in the upper 80s, inland areas are set to experience consistently high temperatures hovering around 90 degrees.
Per forecasts, record daily high temperatures may be challenged in various locations, including Burlington, Vermont, and Syracuse, New York. As the heat plagues the region, it is crucial for individuals to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, which may include heavy sweating, clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle aches.
An impending cold front is expected to approach late Wednesday into Thursday, bringing some much-needed relief from the oppressive heat along with possible showers. Following the frontal system, temperatures are forecasted to return to near-average levels for mid-August by the weekend, providing respite from the extreme conditions.
In light of the heat wave’s severity, the public is reminded that children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles, even for brief moments. As people seek ways to beat the heat, staying informed and taking safety precautions can help mitigate the risks associated with such extreme weather.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Boston Faces Longest Dry Spell Amid Heat Wave
Hazy Skies and Poor Air Quality Across New England
Boston Set for Ideal Summer Weather Amid Wildfire Haze
Boston Offers Free Events and Activities in August
New Romantic Comedy ‘Ten Dates’ Filming in Boston
Boston Sets New Record High of 99°F Amid Active Heat Advisory
Boston Sets Record High Temperatures Amid Heat Wave
Los Angeles Leads the Charge for ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Release
Boston Offers Free Summer Fun: Events from July 28 to August 3
Heat Wave Hits New England with Record Temperatures
Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Heat Wave Forecast
- Wikipedia: Heat Wave
- Turn to 10: Heat Wave Likely Begins Monday
- Google Search: Heat Wave New England
- Fox Weather: Boston Heat Wave
- Google Scholar: Heat Wave Effects
- Turn to 10: Heat Returns This Week
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heat Wave
- CBS News: Boston Heat Wave
- Google News: Boston Heat Wave
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.
