New Englanders who have been anxiously waiting for that comfortable fall weather in September, it’s going to be a little while.
Parts of Massachusetts are under a “heat advisory” this week just as the kids go back to school. It could feel like close to 100 degrees, especially in western Massachusetts, as meteorologists warn that the hot temps and high humidity may spark heat illnesses.
After a cool August in comparison, summer has arrived in the final weeks of astronomical summer.
“Even with that said about August, this isn’t super atypical for this time of year,” Bill Leatham, meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Boston office, told the Herald on Monday.
“It’s not out of the question to get summerlike warmth across the region in September,” he added, also noting that the latest 90-degree day in Boston’s recorded history was on Oct. 12, 1954.
The best chance for an official heat wave — three consecutive days of 90-plus degrees — will be in western Massachusetts this week. That’s where the heat advisory is in effect through at least Wednesday night, which could be extended through Thursday.
“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 wrote in the heat advisory. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside,” NWS added. “When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.”
This heat and humidity comes as many student athletes hit the fields for practices and games. Thursday is expected to be the muggiest day.
Boston’s high temps should remain in the 80s because of the sea breeze helping keep the temps lower than the interior regions of the Bay State. Some coastal areas in eastern Massachusetts could stay in the upper 70s due to the sea breeze.
Later this week after the hot stretch of dry weather, it’s expected to turn unsettled late Thursday and throughout the upcoming weekend. There will be chances for showers and thunderstorms.
Leatham said, “The fortunate thing with that is we’ll lose the oppressive heat and humidity, and it’ll get cooler and more seasonable by the weekend around 80 degrees.”
