Boston rolled into Wednesday, July 1 with partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 70s, but the early relief is on borrowed time. An Extreme Heat Warning kicks in at 10 a.m. Wednesday and holds through 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4, with daytime highs rocketing into the upper 90s and only weak cooling at night. Heat index readings are expected to top 100°F at times, making outdoor plans a real hazard for kids, older adults and anyone without solid access to air conditioning.
Heat Timeline
The National Weather Service is calling this a prolonged, dangerous heatwave for southern New England, with the worst of it Thursday and Friday and heat index values commonly ranging from about 98°F to 112°F, according to NWS Boston. The forecast has highs near 97°F on Wednesday, climbing into the 99°F to 101°F range on Thursday and Friday, while many urban neighborhoods may only cool to the mid to upper 70s overnight. Forecasters warn of “little relief at night,” which ramps up the risk of heat-related illness for outdoor workers and anyone who cannot get to a cool indoor space.
Today’s Forecast And Thunderstorm Chance
For Wednesday, July 1, look for partly sunny skies with about a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m., then another round possible later in the afternoon and evening. High temperatures should reach close to 97°F, with southwest winds of about 10 to 12 mph and gusts up to around 22 mph. It could feel like 102°F during the afternoon peak. The risk of widespread severe storms is low, but scattered downpours may bring lightning and bursts of heavy rain, so build some flexibility into outdoor plans.
Where To Go For Relief
For residents without dependable air conditioning, the City of Boston is steering people toward BCYF community centers, public libraries and select pools as cooling options, along with basic safety steps like staying hydrated and checking on neighbors, according to Boston.gov. Call 2-1-1 to locate nearby cooling sites, and if you work outside, talk with your employer about heat protections and breaks. Make a plan now for how you and anyone vulnerable at home will stay cool during the midafternoon highs.
Commuting, Boating And The Fourth
Commuters should brace for stuffy rides during the hottest hours, bring water, avoid heavy exertion in the middle of the day and, where possible, shift strenuous tasks to the morning or evening. Small Craft Advisories are up for parts of the southern coastal waters, and the Fourth of July itself will stay hot, with mostly sunny skies, a high near 93°F and a chance of afternoon storms, according to NWS Boston. If you are planning fireworks, barbecues or beach time, line up shade, plenty of water and a backup indoor spot in case storms or the extreme heat cut festivities short.
Bottom line: treat the next several days as a serious heat event, drink water regularly, spend time in cool places whenever you can and keep an eye on neighbors, pets and older relatives. If you or someone nearby shows signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, move to a cooler area and seek medical help immediately.
