Boston hit a new record temperature on Thursday as a heat wave continued to cook the region, with triple digit heat indices and little relief expected to continue into the start of the holiday weekend.
“In terms of (Friday), we’re probably looking at something similar, 99, 100 degrees in the city, depending on where you are,” said NWS meteorologist Matthew Belk. “Higher as you get up towards Metro West, maybe 102, 103 out that way. And then Saturday’s when we cool down a little bit, but probably looking at mid-90s for highs across the greater Boston area.”
The high hit 100 degrees in Boston Thursday, breaking the previous record set for the day in 1963 of 98 degrees. The feels-like temperature in the city soared to well over 100 degrees.
Heat safety precautions are expected to continue through Friday to Independence Day.
The Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra announced access to the Esplanade for entry to the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will be delayed to 4:00 p.m. Saturday due to the extreme heat expected.
“There is no change to the event schedule; the Pops concert still begins at 7:00 pm and ends at 9:30 pm,” the Boston Pops posted. “We encourage guests not to arrive at the Esplanade early. Stay safe, cool, and hydrated and we look forward to celebrating America’s 250th birthday with you!”
The National Weather Service forecasted that “dangerous heat and humidity continues Friday with afternoon heat indices between 100 and 115 degrees.”
On the Fourth, the heat indices will reach “between 95-100+ degrees,” NWS posted, adding “little relief at night as well.” Dangerous heat is forecasted to extend beyond the Boston region, covering anywhere in southern New England through Saturday.
The Fourth holiday is likely to see showers starting in the afternoon in the Boston area, forecasts show, with a possible thunderstorm after 5 p.m. Cloud cover is expected to increase through the day. The chance of rainfall drops to slight after around 8 p.m., NWS states, with partly cloudy skies during the holiday night.
In western Massachusetts and Connecticut, forecasts also showed potential for severe thunderstorms Friday evening and night, with the rest of the region under “marginal risk.” The “main severe threat,” NWS posted, will be damaging straight-line wind gusts Friday.
As the heat wave drags on, public officials urged residents and visitors to remain cognizant, especially during holiday celebrations.
Boston EMS reported a 13.7% increase in overall call volume on the first day of the heat wave Wednesday, with 449 total incidents during the day and 17 directly attributed to the heat.
“Knowing the signs of heat-related illness can save a life,” Boston EMS stated.
Related Articles
- Excessive heat warning: Heat index to reach over 100° through Friday across Boston area
- Parts of Massachusetts under tornado watch as potential severe storms move in
- Thanks, El Niño: Even fewer storms now expected in ‘below normal’ hurricane season
- Massachusetts, get ready for some wicked hot temps in the 90s, ‘record-breaking high’ possible
- One of America’s oldest weather observatories shows people the science behind our climate
Signs of heat illness include nausea, muscle cramps, confusion, heavy sweating, clammy skin, headache, dizziness and loss of consciousness. City officials urged residents to call 911 immediately if symptoms persist or if you see anyone outside who appears to be suffering from heat illness.
“Stay hydrated, avoid any unnecessary activity during the hottest part of the day, either exercise early or late,” Belk instructed. “Wear light colored clothing. Don’t drink alcohol, that’ll dehydrate you faster. If you know somebody who doesn’t have air conditioning, it’s probably a good idea to check on them every now and again. Make sure that everybody stays safe.”
Boston resources — including cooling centers and emergency services — and safety tips can be found at boston.gov/heat or by calling 311.
Original article
Comments