Boston rolled out of bed Tuesday to hazy skies and a muggy 72°F at Logan Airport, and that is about as cool as things are going to feel for a while. Forecasters say the heat will spike this afternoon and into Wednesday, with inland neighborhoods pushing into the mid 90s while the immediate coastline hangs on a few degrees cooler.
Heat Advisory Through Wednesday
A Heat Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday through 8 p.m. Wednesday, with inland highs expected to land near 95 to 97°F and heat-index readings climbing into the upper 90s. West to southwest winds of 10 to 18 mph, with some higher gusts, will stir the air a bit but will not erase the risk of heat-related illness. Outdoor workers and anyone exercising should build in extra breaks and drink plenty of fluids, according to the National Weather Service.
Cooling Centers, Pools and Libraries
The City of Boston has opened a network of places where residents can cool off. BCYF community centers, the Wang YMCA in Chinatown, the Veronica B. Smith Senior Center in Brighton and an East Boston senior center are set to operate as cooling sites beginning Wednesday. For those without air conditioning, city pools and public libraries are also in play as places to ride out the worst of the heat.
Most centers run during daytime hours, so residents should check the City of Boston website for exact locations and schedules. If you need help finding a cooling center or a ride to get there, call 311.
Beaches, Boats and Thunderstorm Risk
Southwest winds will kick up surf on south-facing beaches today and Wednesday and could mean a higher risk of dangerous rip currents. Boaters should keep an eye out for Small Craft Advisories offshore.
There is also a chance of showers or thunderstorms, mainly before noon on Wednesday. Any storm that pops could feature frequent lightning and strong wind gusts, so if you see lightning moving in, get inside or seek sturdy shelter right away.
Quick Safety Tips
Limit hard outdoor activity between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., keep water handy and check on older neighbors or anyone who might not have a cool place to stay. Never leave children or pets in parked cars, even for a short time. If someone shows signs of heat stroke, move them to a cooler spot and call 911.
