Heat dome drives record-high temperatures across Boston area midweek
An extreme heat watch covers Massachusetts and southern New England as a high-pressure system pushes temperatures toward 102°F, with humidity raising heat indices above 100°F.
A high-pressure ridge extending from the Midwest to the East Coast is expected to bring a prolonged heat wave to Boston and surrounding regions later this week. Meteorologists say the system, often called a “heat dome,” will keep air sinking and warming, leading to rapidly rising temperatures.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for Wednesday morning through Friday night for most of Massachusetts and southern New England, excluding Cape Cod and the Berkshires. > "An Extreme Heat Watch has been issued for Wednesday morning until Friday night for all of Massachusetts and the rest of Southern New England, except for Cape Cod and the Berkshires."
Forecasts show highs reaching 102°F on Thursday, potentially surpassing the previous daily record of 98°F. Dew points are projected to climb into the mid- to upper 70s, creating heat indices between 105°F and 110°F. Early-morning temperatures will remain in the 60s on Monday and Tuesday, but will rise to the 70s by mid-week, with daytime highs in the upper 70s to low 80s for most of the Boston area.
The heat is expected to be most intense inland, while coastal locations will stay a few degrees cooler. Residents are advised to schedule outdoor activities for early morning hours, before temperatures and humidity become hazardous.
