Record Heat Hits Boston as Temperatures Soar to 102 Degrees

Boston, Massachusetts — The city sweltered on Tuesday as temperatures soared to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, breaking June records and marking the hottest day of the summer due to an ongoing heat wave. Numerous areas across New England set new daily high temperature records, with heat index values climbing into the 110s in parts of Southern New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

This heat wave, typical for Boston which generally experiences two each summer, is reminiscent of the all-time high of 104 degrees set on July 4, 1911. The National Weather Service reported that a few heat alerts remained in effect away from the immediate coast, with conditions expected to improve somewhat under mostly sunny skies.

On Wednesday, the mercury is forecasted to reach the low 90s, with a slight drop in humidity due to a change in wind direction. However, heat index values will still reach the upper 90s, meaning outdoor caution is still advised. A cold front brings the potential for isolated showers, mainly in Western Massachusetts.

Temperatures at dawn on Wednesday will hover in the upper 70s to low 80s. This cooler air could bring a refreshing change after days of extreme heat, but temperatures are still expected to remain high. The transition is essential for public safety, as the heat risk impacts will lessen but remain moderate to significant across Greater Boston and Southern New England.

Forecasts indicate that the dominance of high pressure will weaken, allowing for a cooling trend starting Wednesday. Although temperatures could drop into the 70s later in the week, advisories remain in effect in anticipation of the next three days where brief thunderstorms or showers could occur.

As the heat wave persists, utilities across the region are advising citizens to stay hydrated and check on those most vulnerable to high temperatures. Reports of pavement buckling from the heat in New Jersey, as well as other heat-related disruptions, have been recorded, emphasizing the severe impact of this weather event.