Newsletter Signup
Stay up to date on all the latest news from Boston.com
The region is headed into the second day of a potential heat wave, with the maximum heat index set for 104 in Boston on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
There’s also the possibility for scattered strong to severe thunderstorms during the afternoon and into the evening, especially in Central Massachusetts, the service said.
The dangerous heat continues today through Friday. Make sure to take it easy, stay cool & hydrated. Scattered strong to severe storms possible especially across the interior late this afternoon into the evening. Stay tuned! #mawx #riwx #ctwx pic.twitter.com/QP9gO32tGy
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) August 12, 2021
Most of Massachusetts remains under an excessive heat warning, according to the service, with a portion of the western part of the state under a heat advisory. With the excessive heat warning, the heat index is anticipated to be above 105 degrees, and there’s a “high risk” for heat exhaustion if exposed to it for an extended period of time.
[Wed 5PM] An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for much of S New England on Thursday, with Heat Advisories elsewhere except Cape Cod & Islands. A few strong/severe storms are possible late Thursday afternoon into evening. Please stay cool & hydrated! #MAwx #RIwx #CTwx #heatwave pic.twitter.com/79jks5t0yr
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) August 11, 2021
[Severe Weather Potential] In addition to the excessive heat/humidity, the potential for severe thunderstorms moving in from the west exists between 5 pm and 11 pm this evening. Damaging wind gusts, brief torrential rain and localized street flooding are the main risks. pic.twitter.com/1ZCt6pIoro
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) August 12, 2021
With the heat, the state Department of Conservation and Recreation reminded the public that many of the spray decks it manages are on extended hours until Sept. 6; they will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
DCR-managed spray decks have extended hours: 8-8. #Roxbury #Brighton #Cambridge #Holyoke #JamaicaPlain #HydePark #Belmont #Everett #MissionHill @universalhub pic.twitter.com/HxeS4mQmYV
— Jacquelyn Goddard (@JacqueGoddard) August 12, 2021
The MBTA also says that due to potential stress on infrastructure from the heat, trains may be running a bit slowly.
Today's going to be even hotter. Extreme temperatures can take a toll on our infrastructure so trains may travel slowly in some areas to reduce heat-related stress on the tracks. We're on the lookout across the system & here to provide extra assistance.
— MBTA (@MBTA) August 12, 2021
☀️https://t.co/dBUIQQ24tm pic.twitter.com/y4wJf5jiw3
Here’s what other local meteorologists are saying about the heat:
EXTREME HEAT…
— Cindy Fitzgibbon (@Met_CindyFitz) August 12, 2021
High humidity and temps in the mid 90s will make it feel like it is at or above 100 degrees from noon until 6pm today… Take it easy and make sure your staying hydrated. Don't forget to keep your pets cool as well! #WCVB pic.twitter.com/J991ItLMKx
THURSDAY AM weather update ⤵️
— Cindy Fitzgibbon (@Met_CindyFitz) August 12, 2021
Day2 of our heatwave with highs in the mid 90s and feels like temps >100° ? Heat breaks this weekend #WCVB pic.twitter.com/7lLJjc6GrS
HIGHS TODAY…
— Cindy Fitzgibbon (@Met_CindyFitz) August 12, 2021
In the low to mid 90s away from the Cape and Islands with an Excessive Heat Warning for feels like temperatures >100 degrees. Take it easy today! #WCVB pic.twitter.com/YtfqmOYshF
T-STORM RISK…
— Cindy Fitzgibbon (@Met_CindyFitz) August 12, 2021
Is greatest in western MA late this afternoon and moves into central MA by early this evening. A few storms could be severe with locally damaging winds. Any storms will weaken as they drift toward the coast #WCVB pic.twitter.com/ysAJNEOAf7
"Cool spots" will include the Cape & Islands… Where it will still be pretty hot & humid!!! #Capecod #mawx @boston25 pic.twitter.com/J6dKRxk4TU
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) August 12, 2021
Heat wave day number two coming your way! ? ? #mawx #newengland #boston pic.twitter.com/yc3W7Velly
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) August 12, 2021
Baking at the beaches north of #Boston today… @Boston25 pic.twitter.com/i701u2IaNo
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) August 12, 2021
Heat index pushing to near 105 this afternoon for many towns and cities. pic.twitter.com/AuTZHLEjqq
— Chris Lambert (@clamberton7) August 12, 2021
Severe risk across New England today is highest across the western part of the area. pic.twitter.com/4PMapzKtcN
— Chris Lambert (@clamberton7) August 12, 2021
Few late-day storms, especially northwest of Boston. pic.twitter.com/nlhMkadtht
— Chris Lambert (@clamberton7) August 12, 2021
An absolute scorcher! Excessive Heat Warning in effect for most of our region as it will feel between 105-109°!
— Zack Green (@zackgreenwx) August 12, 2021
More on the heat wave on #WBZThisMorning through 7am. pic.twitter.com/N8aoKL2bxG
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. For those who have to work outside, frequent breaks to the A/C will be needed.
— Zack Green (@zackgreenwx) August 12, 2021
Take it easy today. pic.twitter.com/Ebtpnrute8
Not a widespread threat but some strong storms expected later today. Likely near and just after sunset. Heavy rain and the potential for damaging straight line wind under these isolated cases. Will need to take note of this during the evening. pic.twitter.com/F3AEOOU98g
— Zack Green (@zackgreenwx) August 12, 2021
Alright time for the dew point thesaurus: humid, heavy, thick, tropical, oppressive, uncomfortable…gross?
— Zack Green (@zackgreenwx) August 12, 2021
How else would you describe dew points in the 70s?! pic.twitter.com/mZY2vsz4e3
The muggy weather will remain high through Saturday. Then a wave of refreshing air will push in for the last half of the weekend. #wcvb pic.twitter.com/vOvMmsntot
— Mike Wankum (@MetMikeWCVB) August 12, 2021
Here's what to expect on Thursday. Another scorcher. #wcvb pic.twitter.com/CVelCBsBnz
— Mike Wankum (@MetMikeWCVB) August 12, 2021
Stay up to date on all the latest news from Boston.com
Stay up to date with everything Boston. Receive the latest news and breaking updates, straight from our newsroom to your inbox.
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com