Heat wave: It could feel like 104 degrees
Oppressive conditions on tap
Doesn’t a chilly winter day sound good right about now?
The oppressive heat and humidity that arrived over the weekend will only get worse, as the brutal conditions are expected to peak today and Tuesday with possible heat index values hitting 104 degrees.
A heat advisory is in effect for southern New England, with heat index values reaching between 98 and 104 degrees on both this afternoon and Tuesday afternoon. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause people to suffer heat-related illnesses.
Meteorologists and local officials are reminding people to take precautions if they spend time outside over the next few days, and to check on elderly neighbors.
“The less time you spend outside during the peak index hours, the better off you’ll be,” said Rob Megnia, meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Boston office.
“You need to listen to your body,” he said. “There’s a chance that people could experience heat exhaustion.”
The high temp in Boston today is expected to be 96, followed by 95 on Tuesday. Communities inland could be a couple degrees hotter, while the Cape should only reach the low 80s.
“It won’t be as bad down there along the Cape and Islands,” Megnia said.
Wednesday’s high temps in Boston are expected to be in the low 90s, which would be the third 90-degree day in a row, making it an official heat wave.
“We’ll still have very humid conditions,” Megnia said. “It’s going to be really muggy.”
Some classic summertime pop-up thunderstorms are possible Wednesday afternoon.
People who are working outside, such as construction workers, need to drink plenty of fluids this week.
“Take breaks in the shade as often as possible,” Megnia said.
Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances, he added.
“It can get 30 degrees hotter in a car” Megnia said. “Heat-related deaths happen that way.”
When possible, people should reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning or evening.
By Thursday, temps should drop into the 80s, but the oppressive humidity will stick around that day.
Then Friday heading into the holiday weekend, some relief should arrive in the form of mid 70s with scattered showers.