BOSTON – A heat wave is brewing in Massachusetts, and there’s a chance it could be one of the hottest weeks in years and break several records.
As a result, the WBZ Weather Team has issued a NEXT Weather Alert for the entire week.
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Where will it be hottest in New England?
The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for areas just west of Boston, including most of Middlesex County and southern New Hampshire.
These are the areas where the heat is expected to reach its absolute peak. Temperatures will be well into the 90s Tuesday through Friday and it will feel like 105 degrees or higher at times.
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Areas of enlightenment
This certainly does not mean that it will not be very hot and humid outside these areas.
Tuesday through Friday, temperatures will be in the low 90s across most of southern New England, with heat indexes near or above 100.
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The only relief will be along the south coast, the Cape and the Islands, where a sustained south-southwesterly wind will provide some natural air conditioning.
There may be some occasional cooling over Cape Ann and other coastal areas with occasional sea breezes.
Very rare “extreme” heat risk
NOAA’s heat risk outlook has highlighted parts of New England at “extreme” risk. This is very rare for our region.
It is defined as “the level of rare and/or prolonged extreme heat with little to no nighttime relief… affecting anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Effects likely in most healthcare systems, heat-sensitive industries and infrastructure.”
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How hot does it get in Boston?
During this heat wave, temperatures will remain quite warm during the night, making no relief possible at all.
In the city of Boston, where the heat tends to stick around more easily, overnight lows will remain in the mid to upper 70s for several days, reaching near record highs.
Speaking of records, Boston will also be near several high temperature points this week. Don’t rule out hitting the century mark in and around the city and specifically in the Merrimack Valley and western suburbs.
Temperatures can set records
We will challenge some all-time highs in June in major cities in southern New England.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Boston in June is 100 degrees, three times, also in 2021.
The most uncomfortable days are Wednesday and Thursday. Most of the area will feel like 100-110 degrees that afternoon.
This is about as hot and extreme as it can get here.
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Staying safe during extreme heat
It will be critical that people without adequate cooling are monitored for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
During the peak heat and humidity this week, everyone should try to limit the time they spend outdoors, especially in full sun.
And of course don’t forget your pets. Definitely don’t leave them in the car. At an outside temperature of 90 degrees, the temperature in the car rises very quickly.
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When will the temperature drop?
This massive ‘heat dome’ over the eastern United States will begin to collapse later this week.
It looks like cooler temperatures will arrive next weekend, along with some showers and thunderstorms.
Stay with the WBZ Weather Team all week. We will provide regular updates on WBZ-TV, CBS News Boston and WBZ.com.
