As the rain subsides, residents are bracing for a surge of heat and humidity. Thursday is expected to usher in conditions that may feel as hot as 100 degrees, marking the first real taste of summer this season, according to Caitlyn Mensch, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Boston office.
A cold front is predicted to bring severe thunderstorms in the later afternoon and evening hours, adding to the discomfort. The National Weather Service has issued a “heat advisory” for large portions of the region, emphasizing the need for residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses as dewpoints rise into the 70s, leading to a heat index that could reach 100 degrees.
Mensch has advised people to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours. “Potentially dangerous heat Thursday afternoon, with the ‘feels like’ temperatures ranging from the upper 90s to the lower 100s, is anticipated,” the NWS Boston forecast discussion states.
Additionally, severe thunderstorms could develop in the late afternoon, posing risks of damaging wind gusts, large hail, localized street flooding, and even a brief tornado. The primary threat is expected to emerge after 3 p.m., particularly from 5 to 9 p.m., as thunderstorms approach areas of western New England. Though the most severe weather threats are concentrated west of I-95/I-495, the Boston to Providence corridor may still see some impact.
Looking ahead, after the sweltering heat on Thursday, the weather is expected to cool down slightly into Friday and Saturday, with temperatures in the 80s and less humidity. However, early next week could bring another significant heat wave, potentially pushing temperatures back into the 90s as early as Sunday and peaking between Monday and Wednesday. The forecast suggests that we may experience heat and humidity levels comparable to those on Thursday, prompting the possibility of further heat advisories if trends continue.
As we navigate these extreme temperatures, staying informed and prepared is key.