Boston is baking today under mostly sunny, hazy skies with a high near 96°F and heat index values climbing to 98, and the National Weather Service has a Heat Advisory in effect — so push the yard work, the Emerald Necklace jog, or the Fenway walk to early morning or after sunset.
Today’s Setup
West winds run 8 to 16 mph with gusts up to 28 mph, which at least keeps the air moving even with dewpoints in the mid-to-upper 60s. NWS Boston/Norton forecasters note this heat spell is drier than early July’s stretch, thanks to some downsloping and mixing, but it’s still dangerous heat for anyone without AC or shade. Tonight stays muggy with a low around 80 and just a 13% chance of a stray shower.
Best Window To Be Outside
Early morning, before 10 AM, is your best bet for a run along the Charles River or errands around Harvard Square before the heat index tops 95. Wednesday repeats with a high near 95, but watch the sky — the Area Forecast Discussion flags strong thunderstorms possible late tonight into Wednesday, with a 30% chance of showers and storms Wednesday afternoon. If skies darken over the Back Bay or Cambridge, head inside.
Heat, Storms, Haze & Rip Currents
Today’s haze is part of the story, too — forecasters are watching smoke aloft along with the heat, so anyone sensitive to air quality may want an N95 respirator mask smoke on hand for outdoor chores. Dangerous rip currents and heavy surf are expected on south-facing beaches today through Wednesday, so swim near a lifeguard and respect posted flags. With gusty afternoon breezes and dry ground, it’s a good week to double-check your go bag emergency evacuation kit and confirm smoke detectors are working.
Gameday, Concerts & What To Pack
Load up on water, men’s sport sandals, and quick dry swim trunks. Louis Tomlinson plays TD Garden tonight — see our Louis Tomlinson tour coverage for details — in warm, muggy evening air, so grab tickets on SeatGeek and dress light. The Boston Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on July 17, right as the AFD calls for more seasonable, less humid conditions late this week — solid tailgating weather if you pick up a Boston Red Sox jersey and tickets on StubHub now. Looking further out, the Levitate Music Festival hits Marshfield Fairgrounds July 19, right as forecasters flag the weekend as the best chance for renewed showers and storms — pack ponchos.
Dinner Tonight & Next Few Days
It’s too hot to fire up the stove, so lean into a cold Thai noodle salad, a build-your-own wrap bar, or smoothie bowls blended up in a high-powered blender. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door. Expect one more scorcher Wednesday before temperatures ease into the upper 80s Thursday with drier air, then a more seasonable but unsettled pattern moves in for the weekend, with the best chance of showers and thunderstorms arriving right around Levitate.
