The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory covering large portions of Massachusetts beginning Thursday morning and extending through Friday evening as hot temperatures combine with high humidity to produce dangerous "feels-like" conditions for people outdoors and those without access to air conditioning.
What to expect
Forecasters say the combination of daytime heat and very moist air will push heat-index values — the temperature the body experiences when humidity is factored in — into the upper 90s, with readings possible near 100 degrees at times. The advisory, which took effect at 11 a.m. Thursday, covers much of the state while parts of western Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the islands are excluded.
Weather service meteorologists warned the humidity will make conditions feel particularly oppressive, driven by dew points expected to be around 75 degrees.
"Oppressive" dew points near 75 degrees are expected to make for a muggy and sticky end to the week.
Temperatures across the region
Actual high temperatures will vary across the state, but the heat index is the main concern. The National Weather Service provided forecasts for several cities:
| City | Forecast high (°F) | Expected feels-like (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Quincy | 92 | Upper 90s |
| Boston | 90 | Upper 90s |
| Lowell | 90 | Upper 90s |
| Springfield | 89 | Mid to upper 90s |
| Worcester | 87 | Mid 90s |
| Plymouth | 87 | Mid 90s |
| Fall River | 85 | Low to mid 90s |
| Hyannis | 83 | Low 90s |
Timing and duration
The heat advisory was issued Thursday at 11 a.m. and is scheduled to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Friday, though forecasters said warm conditions will continue through the weekend. Daily, isolated to scattered thunderstorms remain possible through Sunday, which could briefly lower temperatures but also produce localized hazards such as lightning, strong gusts and heavy downpours.
Who is most at risk
The National Weather Service emphasized that the warm overnight temperatures may be especially dangerous for people without adequate access to cooling, noting increased risk in densely populated urban areas where nighttime temperatures tend to stay higher.
Heat-related illnesses can progress rapidly. Officials advise that the most vulnerable groups include:
- Older adults and infants and young children
- People with chronic medical conditions or who take certain medications
- Individuals engaged in outdoor work or strenuous activity
- Those without reliable access to air conditioning
Precautions and recommendations
The weather service provided standard guidance to reduce the risk of heat-related illness:
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and caffeine when possible.
- Stay in an air-conditioned room during the hottest parts of the day.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and reschedule strenuous activities for cooler hours.
- Check on relatives and neighbors, particularly those who are elderly or have health conditions.
"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors," the National Weather Service said in a bulletin.
Local impacts and resources
Cities and towns often open cooling centers during heat advisories; residents should check municipal websites or call local public health departments for locations and hours. Workers who must be outdoors should follow occupational safety guidance and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces.
While relief is possible from scattered thunderstorms, those same storms can bring brief, intense rainfall and lightning. People should not assume that rain will eliminate the heat hazard and should remain cautious.
Massachusetts residents should prepare for sticky conditions through the weekend and prioritize hydration, shade and access to cooling to reduce health risks. Local emergency management offices will continue to monitor conditions and issue updates as needed.
— Andre Okonkwo, State Correspondent
