Massachusetts will once again be blanketed by sweltering temperatures this week, with the National Weather Service issuing a heat advisory covering almost all of the state and heat indexes approaching 100 degrees in most areas.
In Boston, forecasters predict temperatures will reach 93 degrees on Monday before climbing even higher to 95 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday. The forecasted high temperature for Worcester on Monday is 93 degrees, while Springfield could get as warm as 96 degrees. Temperatures will be ever so slightly cooler in the Berkshires and on Cape Cod, with a projected high of 90 in Pittsfield and 87 in Barnstable.
But forecasters caution that it will feel much warmer than even those highs. Heat indexes, or feels-like temperatures, will range from 95 degrees to more than 100 degrees on Monday afternoon, according to the weather service.
As a result, a heat advisory is in place for nearly the entire state.
During an advisory, forecasters encouraged people to “drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.” When outside, forecasters urged people to wear light, loose-fitting clothing and to limit strenuous activities to the early morning or evening.
Forecasters say residents of the Bay State should also prepare for a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and early evening.
“While we do not think this will be a widespread outbreak… there will be the risk of isolated strong to severe [thunderstorms],” forecasters wrote, adding that the “main threat will be isolated strong to damaging wind gusts.”
No relief from the heat and humidity comes until Thursday when temperatures will get “much more comfortable,” according to the weather service.
