Boston wakes up hazy and warm today, with an early-morning storm threat clearing out and highs climbing near 90°F under smoky-looking skies. If you’ve got outdoor plans, knock them out before the afternoon haze and heat set in, and steer clear of south-facing beaches, where the National Weather Service says dangerous rip currents are expected today.
Today’s Setup
The National Weather Service Boston/Norton office is watching a cluster of strong thunderstorms sliding out of Vermont and New Hampshire into the pre-dawn hours before 7 AM, with the best (if weakening) chance of a rumble favoring northern Massachusetts. Once that clears, expect mostly cloudy skies giving way to haze, a high near 90°F, and west winds at 8 to 13 mph. Chance of any lingering shower activity sits at 20%.
Best Window To Be Outside
Early morning, right after any storms clear north of the city, is your coolest window before the haze and heat build over the Charles River Esplanade, the Common, and other shade-light spots. Tonight cools nicely to a low around 69°F with lighter west winds, making the evening a much easier time to be outdoors than the afternoon.
Heat, Haze, And Rip Current Risk
Forecasters describe today as “very warm to hot,” tempered somewhat by the hazy air overhead — don’t let the haze trick you into underestimating the heat. The bigger concern is dangerous rip currents expected today on south-facing beaches, so anyone swimming along the coast should stay near a lifeguard and respect posted flags.
What To Wear Or Bring
Light, breathable layers win today. Quick dry swim trunks or a women’s swimsuit work well for beach trips, paired with men’s sport sandals for sandy or boardwalk stops. Toss a cooling neck towel in your bag if you’re out and about through the hazy afternoon.
Tonight’s Big Draws
It’s a busy night despite the heat. Lindsey Stirling brings her Duality Untamed Tour to Leader Bank Pavilion tonight — an outdoor show running warm and hazy before cooling into the upper 60s later on; check our concert weather breakdown or grab tickets on SeatGeek. Benson Boone also plays TD Garden tonight on his Wanted Man Tour, and a Benson Boone t-shirt makes a fun addition if you’re headed in. Looking ahead, the Boston Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park Friday and Saturday, July 17-18, with Friday looking dry near 87°F — solid tailgating weather if you pick up a Boston Red Sox jersey or Boston Red Sox fitted cap and find tickets on StubHub.
Dinner Tonight
With highs near 90°F, skip the stove. A cold Thai noodle salad or a build-your-own wrap bar keeps the kitchen cool, and a high-powered blender turns extra fruit into smoothie bowls. An insulated tumbler 30oz keeps drinks cold on the porch tonight. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Thursday and Friday bring relief: sunny, still-hazy skies, less humidity, and seasonable highs near 86°F and 87°F with winds shifting northwest. But the National Weather Service notes unsettled conditions return by the weekend, with shower and thunderstorm chances creeping back in — worth watching if you’ve got plans at Sunday’s Levitate Music Festival in Marshfield.
