Boston’s Thursday forecast brings a quick change in conditions: cloudy skies and a chance of early showers are expected to give way to sunshine, near-summer warmth and strong west winds. The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures around 73 degrees this morning rising to near 87 this afternoon, with gusts potentially reaching 32 mph.
A few showers could linger until about 9 a.m. before skies clear rapidly. From late morning through the afternoon, the forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and west winds of 14 to 18 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
How unusual is the warmth?
If Boston reaches 87 degrees, it would be well above the National Weather Service’s normal maximum temperature of 75 degrees for Sept. 10. It would still remain below the daily record of 95 degrees, set in 1931, according to the agency’s Boston climate report.
The broader backdrop is also getting hotter, though it does not determine the outcome of a single forecast. Boston’s Heat Resilience Solutions plan says the city experienced more hot days from 2010 to 2020 than in any decade during the previous 50 years. The plan also notes that some parts of Boston become hotter sooner and stay in high-heat conditions longer than others.
The projected temperature does not by itself mean Boston has declared a heat emergency. For comparison, the city declared a heat emergency for July 16–18, 2025, when the forecast heat index ranged from 91 to 97 degrees; Boston says its threshold is two or more days with a heat index of at least 95 degrees.
Wind concerns are greatest near exposed areas
The day will feel notably breezy near the waterfront and in other exposed locations. A gale warning remains in effect through noon Thursday for some coastal waters, while small craft advisories continue on other waters into the evening. No land-based advisories are posted for Massachusetts, according to the National Weather Service.
The City of Boston says infants, children, adults over 65, people with chronic conditions or disabilities and outdoor workers are among those at greater risk during hot weather. The city advises residents to keep water available, take breaks in shade or air conditioning and limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
A cooler Friday, then another unsettled turn
Friday should feel considerably more comfortable, with sunny skies, lower humidity and a high near 75. Clear conditions Friday night could bring temperatures down to around 58 before another sunny, mild day arrives Saturday.
The next chance for unsettled weather arrives late Saturday night into Sunday, when showers could develop and a few downpours are possible. Sunday is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a high near 76 and a 50% chance of rain before 5 p.m., followed by mostly sunny and seasonable weather Monday.
Another warm-up may arrive by midweek, with Tuesday near 76 and Wednesday around 82. Wednesday could turn showery after noon as the next front approaches.
