CUP TEAM. IT’S GOING TO BE A GREAT WAY TO BEAT THE HEAT. ROAD CREWS WORK ON THE MASS PIKE AS TEMPERATURES SOAR INTO THE 90S AND HEAT WAVES RISE ON BLISTERING PAVEMENT. MIKE HESTER IS A PROFESSIONAL MOVER, AND EVEN WITH TODAY’S HEAT, IT DIDN’T STOP HIS CREW. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND STRETCH. YOU KNOW YOU GET PREPARED FOR IT. I’M USED TO IT AND I DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. WHETHER IT’S BATTING PRACTICE, GOLF OR PICKLEBALL. MANY STARTED BEFORE 9 A.M. TO BEAT THE HEAT. DEFINITELY HYDRATE BEFORE AND HYDRATE WHILE PLAYING AND TAKE A REST IN THE SHADE. IF YOU’RE IN THE CITY. THE FROG POND IS OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR PEOPLE TO STAY COOL DURING THE DAY. THIS IS THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM. ENGINEERS INSIDE THE BOSTON DISPATCH CENTER FOR EVERSOURCE ARE KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON DEMAND AS WE’RE AT THE START OF A HEAT WAVE IN BOSTON, THE BEST SCENARIO IS WE KEEP THE LIGHTS ON AND WE MEET OUR CUSTOMERS NEEDS. SO WHAT WE’VE BEEN DOING OVER THE LAST 6 OR 7 MONTHS, ALL THE WORK THAT WE DO IS TO PREPARE FOR DAYS LIKE THIS. AND WE ARE HERE FOR THOSE KIND OF DAYS. THIS REMINDER COOLING CENTERS HAVE OPENED ACROSS THE CITY. WE’VE ALSO SEEN THESE AIR CONDITIONED VANS GOING AROUND TO HELP PEOPLE STAY COOL, WHO LIVE ON THE STREET. AGAIN, HYDRATE I
Health warnings, tips for 4-day heat wave in Massachusetts
Updated: 5:36 PM EDT Jul 1, 2026
Massachusetts is facing a potential four-day heat wave this week, with expected highs near 100 degrees and heat index values above 105 degrees. In Massachusetts, a heat wave is usually defined as a period of three or more consecutive days above 90 degrees. Temperatures are currently forecast to peak above 90 degrees each day from Wednesday through Saturday. Humidity will make it feel even hotter. Warm and humid conditions will also persist overnight, with temperatures staying above 70 degrees and limiting nighttime relief.StormTeam 5 tools: Radar | Map Room | Alerts | FuturecastTo prevent illness and injuries, consider these safety tips from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council:Heat Safety TipsDrink plenty of fluids, like water, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid alcoholic beverages, drinks with caffeine and large amounts of sugar — these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. If you’re outside, find shade and minimize direct exposure to the sun.Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m.Avoid extreme temperature changes.Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like libraries, theaters, malls, etc.Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even on a 70 degree day.Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Parents should limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses.Avoid burns. If playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin.Recognizing Heat IllnessesHeat CrampsLook for: heavy sweating during intense exercise; muscle pain or spasmsIf you have heat cramps: Stop physical activity and move to a cool place, Drink water or a sports drink, Wait for cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity, Get medical help if cramps last longer than 1 hour, you’re on a low-sodium diet or if you have heart problemsHeat ExhaustionLook for: heavy sweating; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; faintingIf you expect heat exhaustion: Move to a cool place, Loosen your clothes, Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath, Sip water, Get medical help if you are throwing up, your symptoms get worse or symptoms last longer than one hourHeat StrokeLook for: high body temperature (103°F or higher); hot, red, dry, or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; passing outIf you expect a heat stroke: Call 911 right away – heat stroke is a medical emergency, Move the person to a cooler place, Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath, Do not give the person anything to drink
BOSTON —
Massachusetts is facing a potential four-day heat wave this week, with expected highs near 100 degrees and heat index values above 105 degrees.
In Massachusetts, a heat wave is usually defined as a period of three or more consecutive days above 90 degrees. Temperatures are currently forecast to peak above 90 degrees each day from Wednesday through Saturday. Humidity will make it feel even hotter.
Warm and humid conditions will also persist overnight, with temperatures staying above 70 degrees and limiting nighttime relief.
StormTeam 5 tools: Radar | Map Room | Alerts | Futurecast
To prevent illness and injuries, consider these safety tips from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council:
Heat Safety Tips
Drink plenty of fluids, like water, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid alcoholic beverages, drinks with caffeine and large amounts of sugar — these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. If you’re outside, find shade and minimize direct exposure to the sun.Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m.Avoid extreme temperature changes.Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like libraries, theaters, malls, etc.Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even on a 70 degree day.Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Parents should limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses.Avoid burns. If playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin.
Recognizing Heat Illnesses
Heat Cramps
Look for: heavy sweating during intense exercise; muscle pain or spasmsIf you have heat cramps: Stop physical activity and move to a cool place, Drink water or a sports drink, Wait for cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity, Get medical help if cramps last longer than 1 hour, you’re on a low-sodium diet or if you have heart problems
Heat Exhaustion
Look for: heavy sweating; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; faintingIf you expect heat exhaustion: Move to a cool place, Loosen your clothes, Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath, Sip water, Get medical help if you are throwing up, your symptoms get worse or symptoms last longer than one hour
Heat Stroke
Look for: high body temperature (103°F or higher); hot, red, dry, or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; passing outIf you expect a heat stroke: Call 911 right away – heat stroke is a medical emergency, Move the person to a cooler place, Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath, Do not give the person anything to drink