Boston is bracing for a scorching 91°F today — the final day of a record-setting heat stretch — with the National Weather Service issuing a Heat Advisory and flagging a risk of strong to severe thunderstorms by afternoon. Plan your outdoor activities for the morning hours and stay weather-aware after 1 PM ET.
Today’s Setup
An anomalously warm airmass is lingering over the region one last time, pushing highs near 91°F inland across neighborhoods like Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, and the South End. Dewpoints are climbing into the mid-60s, so it’ll feel genuinely muggy. The coast — Revere Beach, Nahant — gets a slight break, though even shoreside spots may feel more heat today as winds shift westerly at 7 to 14 mph.
Best Window To Be Outside
Go early. Your cleanest window is before noon. The National Weather Service expects rain showers to develop after 2 PM ET as a cold front pushes through from west to east, completing its passage by this evening. If you want to mow the lawn, walk the Emerald Necklace, or squeeze in a round with the Callaway Big Bertha 23 Fairway Wood deal, do it before lunch.
Heat and Storm Risk
This isn’t just a heat situation. The NWS is flagging a chance for strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon, with risks for damaging winds and hail. Dewpoints in the mid-60s and steep low-level lapse rates create real instability — stay weather-aware and get inside if you hear thunder. The Heat Advisory is particularly serious for sensitive groups: limit outdoor exertion between 11 AM and 3 PM ET and stay hydrated. Tonight a slight chance of showers lingers between 7 PM and 2 AM ET before skies gradually clear.
What To Wear Or Bring
Light, breathable clothing this morning. Pack a compact umbrella for the afternoon. Warm and breezy conditions are elevating spring pollen — Zyrtec 24 hour allergy 90 count is worth keeping handy. An insulated tumbler 30oz will keep your water cold through the hottest part of the day.
This Weekend: Red Sox, Springsteen & More
The heat breaks just in time for a packed weekend. The Boston Red Sox host the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park on Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23, with highs in the upper 60s — ideal baseball weather after today’s punishing heat. Deck out in a Boston Red Sox jersey and Boston Red Sox fitted cap before heading to Kenmore Square. Find tickets on StubHub or Get tickets on SeatGeek.
Friday evening also brings Charlie Puth to MGM Music Hall at Fenway (May 22) — an indoor venue, so no weather worries. Grab a Charlie Puth t-shirt and make a full Fenway night of it. Saturday, the AfroCity Music Festival hits Big Night Live and Ari Lennox plays MGM Music Hall at Fenway. Then Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band bring the Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour to TD Garden on Sunday, May 24 — a Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band t-shirt is the only thing to wear.
Too Hot to Cook
Skip the stove entirely today. Cold Thai noodle salad, a build-your-own wrap bar, or smoothie bowls are perfect for this heat. A high-powered blender makes smoothie bowl prep effortless. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Thursday brings genuine relief — highs near 67°F, partly sunny skies, and a light north wind with near-zero rain chance. Friday looks similar at 68°F. The Boston weather forecast for Memorial Day Weekend remains uncertain; the NWS notes periods of rain are possible but confidence is low. Stay tuned as the holiday weekend picture firms up.
