This is the wicked hot forecast you were dreaming of when feet of snow were pounding the region earlier this year.
Some “early season heat” is on the way to the Bay State in the next couple of days, as the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for much of the region.
Heat index values up to 96 degrees are expected — except for the South Coast, Cape Cod and the Islands. The Heat Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. on Tuesday through 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
“Early season heat is expected to peak Tuesday, with record-breaking high temperatures in the low to mid 90s for much of southern New England,” NWS Boston posted.
“This is the first multi-day period of hot temperatures,” NWS Boston wrote. “Those not yet accustomed to hot temperatures with a moderate degree of humidity should take appropriate heat-related precautions.”
🌡️ A Heat Advisory has been issued for 11AM Tuesday through 8PM Wednesday. Early season heat is expected to peak Tuesday, with record-breaking high temperatures in the low to mid 90s for much of southern New England. pic.twitter.com/aS78tbkyOx
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) May 18, 2026
Those safety tips include: drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room, staying out of the sun, and checking up on relatives, neighbors and pets.
People should take extra precautions when outside, including wearing lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
Fortunately, this spell of hot temps will be a generally drier heat — not necessarily oppressively humid like is typical for New England. With dewpoints mid 50s to lower 60s, it’s more of “drier” heat and the difference between the air temperature and the apparent temperature (heat index) may not be that much different.
Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has issued an “Air Quality Advisory” amid the hot temps.
The alert will be in effect on Tuesday due to elevated ozone levels predicted to reach low “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range from the northeast to portions of southeast Mass.
Air is forecast to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children and older adults, and people with heart or lung disease such as asthma. People in sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor activity.
Due to the high temps expected Tuesday through Wednesday, the Healey administration was urging residents and visitors to plan ahead and practice extreme heat safety.
“As we approach the summer months, we want to make sure Massachusetts residents are informed about rising heat early and have time to take the proper precautions to stay safe in hot weather – that means keeping hydrated, limiting strenuous activity and finding a cool place to stay indoors if possible,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement. “We encourage residents and visitors alike to cool off at one of the 14 splash pads that DCR has opened ahead of schedule to offer early heat relief or at a nearby cooling center.”
The full list of open spray decks can be found on DCR’s swimming schedule webpage.
“With the first significant heat event of the year arriving this week, DCR has opened 14 splash pads early so residents and visitors have safe accessible, places to cool down,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “Our state parks and public spaces play an important role during hot weather, and we’re committed to helping communities across Massachusetts find relief and enjoy the outdoors safely.”
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