Boston is in for a scorcher today, with the National Weather Service calling for a high near 97°F, heat index values as high as 104, and a chance of showers and thunderstorms — so plan your outdoor time for the morning and keep water close by all day.
Today’s Setup
A round of showers and storms is possible before 1 PM ET, then another chance later in the day, with partly sunny skies and a southwest wind around 12 mph gusting to 22. NWS Boston/Norton says a cluster of showers and a few thunderstorms may push into parts of our region very late today into tonight, likely weakening as they arrive, with the main severe risk staying to our northwest. The Weather Prediction Center trimmed its marginal excessive-rainfall risk for the Northeast overnight, and expects any heavy downpours to taper off through the morning.
Best Window To Be Outside
Get outside before 11 AM ET if you can — the Esplanade, Boston Common, and Castle Island are all better bets early, before the heat index climbs toward 104. By afternoon, this is indoor-mall or air-conditioned-library weather.
Heat Is The Real Story
This is bigger than one hot day. The forecast discussion flags dangerous, prolonged heat and humidity from today through Saturday, with Extreme Heat Warnings across most of southern New England and Heat Advisories for the Cape and Islands. Thursday brings the peak, with a high near 101 and heat index up to 107, before Friday runs nearly as hot.
Fenway Forecast: Red Sox vs. Nationals
The Boston Red Sox host the Washington Nationals at Fenway Park today, and it’ll be a sweaty one — bring a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable bottle, since heat index values near 104 make this a hydrate-often afternoon. Grab a Boston Red Sox jersey or Boston Red Sox fitted cap before first pitch, and if you still need seats, get tickets on SeatGeek or find tickets on StubHub.
Tonight: Goose At Leader Bank Pavilion
Goose plays Leader Bank Pavilion tonight, and with storms possible after dark, pack a light rain layer just in case.
What To Wear Or Bring
Men’s sport sandals handle the heat and any puddles well, and an insulated tumbler 30oz keeps drinks cold for a Fenway day or a Common walk. If storms knock out power tonight, a DARAN 288Wh power station is $90 for Prime members right now, cheap insurance for a hot night without AC.
Tonight’s Dinner
It’s too hot to cook — a cold Thai noodle salad or a smoothie bowl from the high-powered blender beats standing over a stove. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything delivered before dinnertime.
Next Few Days
Thursday is the hottest day, near 101 with heat index up to 107, then Friday stays dangerously hot before slightly easing for Independence Day weekend. Check the full Boston weather forecast and browse outdoor gear deals before your next trip out.
