Boston is starting the week in style — mostly sunny skies and a high near 77°F on Monday, May 18 — so get outside today before record-breaking heat rolls in tomorrow.
Today’s Setup
A light east breeze of 3 to 10 mph keeps conditions comfortable across Greater Boston. The National Weather Service notes that coastal neighborhoods — South Boston, the Seaport District, and East Boston — will stay in the mid-70s thanks to sea-breeze influence, while inland spots like Newton, Brookline, and the western suburbs feel noticeably warmer. Pollen counts are elevated with warm, breezy conditions, so allergy sufferers should keep antihistamines close. The Esplanade, Emerald Necklace, and the Charles River paths are in perfect shape today. Bookmark the Boston weather forecast for updates throughout the week.
Best Window to Be Outside
All of Monday is a green light — just a 3% chance of rain and wall-to-wall sunshine. If you have yard work, golf, or a run through the Fens on your to-do list, today is your day. Get it done before Tuesday afternoon turns problematic.
Record Heat Warning for Tuesday
Here’s the big story: the National Weather Service is forecasting a high near 96°F on Tuesday with heat index values as high as 95°F — and record heat is considered likely for portions of southern New England. NWS Boston reports that 850 mb temperatures are running 2 to 3 standard deviations above normal for mid-May, near the maximum on record for this time of year. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible between 3 PM and 5 PM ET Tuesday, with southwest winds gusting to 24 mph. Wednesday stays dangerously hot near 92°F with a better chance for scattered strong to severe storms. Stay hydrated, limit midday sun exposure, and check on elderly neighbors.
If you’re catching An Evening with The Mountain Goats at Citizens House of Blues Boston or the Belle & Sebastian 2-day pass at Orpheum Theatre on Tuesday, dress as light as possible — evening lows will still hover near 71°F. The AHL Atlantic Division Finals: Thunderbirds vs. Penguins Game 3 at MassMutual Center on May 19 is indoors and air-conditioned — a smart call on one of the hottest days of the year. Get tickets on SeatGeek before the puck drops.
Looking further out, the Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band concert lands at TD Garden on May 24, and Charlie Puth at MGM Music Hall at Fenway is May 22. Find tickets on StubHub and pick up a Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band t-shirt to wear on the night.
Sun Protection This Week
With back-to-back 90s this week, UV exposure is no joke. There’s a deal running right now on UPF 50+ Fishing Shirts for $6.50 — one of the best sun-protection values of the season. Stock up before the heat peaks.
Grill Tonight — Perfect Conditions
Tonight’s clear skies and low near 63°F make this an ideal evening to fire up the grill for burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken with corn on the cob. An instant-read meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of the cook, and a grill brush and scraper set keeps the grates ready. A portable propane grill is perfect if you’re heading to a park or waterfront spot. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
- Tuesday, May 19: Near 96°F. Record heat likely. Isolated storms 3–5 PM ET. Limit outdoor exposure midday.
- Wednesday, May 20: Near 92°F. Better chance for scattered strong to severe storms.
- Late week: Cooler, more seasonable temperatures return.
- Weekend: Increasing risk of showers.
For the full extended outlook and outdoor gear deals to match, check back daily.
