Temperatures could set new records on Wednesday as the heat wave that has blanketed Massachusetts this week enters its third day.
It won’t be quite as humid on Wednesday as it was on Tuesday, meaning the feels-like temperature should stay lower despite the intense heat. That decreased humidity also means there is a lower chance of thunderstorms.
But it will still be plenty hot on Wednesday, with Boston, Worcester and Springfield projected to reach 94, 96 and 97, respectively. If Worcester does reach 96 on Wednesday, it would be a new record for July 30 — the record stands at 95, set in 1949, according to the National Weather Service.
A Heat Advisory is in place through 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Despite the lower humidity, forecasters believe there will be enough instability ahead of a cold front moving into the region for a few thunderstorms to develop, some of which could produce strong, gusting winds. Smaller hail is also possible during the storms, which are expected between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Some relief from the heat will arrive when temperatures drop on Thursday, but it could remain quite humid in parts of Massachusetts thanks to widespread rainfall.
That rain could produce flooding, particularly Thursday night into Friday morning.
But the exact location of that rain — and possible flooding — is not yet clear.
“There are several factors … which could favor heavy rainfall falling somewhere from the Mid Atlantic, portions of Connecticut/Rhode Island and into Western Massachusetts,” forecasters wrote.
A Flood Watch has yet to be issued for Southern New England, but forecasters indicated one could be coming.
After the rain, temperatures could plummet all the way down to the 60s on Friday, thanks to cloud cover and significant onshore winds.
Temperatures will reach more seasonable levels on Saturday, and an area of high pressure is expected to bring a prolonged dry spell for Massachusetts.
“Overall, a really nice weekend looks to be in store,” forecasters wrote.
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