Get ready to turn on the air conditioners: Region turns hot and hazy as mercury rises

Boston Globe

2 days ago

The setup
Simply put, high pressure continues to dominate the region, calling for mostly sunny skies across most of the Northeast, including all of New England. The recent warming trend paired with the strengthening high pressure, now positioned to the south, will bring a surge of warmth across New England, making it feel like mid-summer for the next couple of days.
High pressure will keep the sun out across New England with a warm, southwesterly flow.
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Temperatures will already be in the mid-60s as you head out for the day on Wednesday. With the sunrise just after 5 a.m., the surface will warm up in a hurry with Boston and parts of Southern New England likely to reach the 80-degree mark before noon. Most will settle in the mid-80s during the afternoon.
I wouldn't be surprised if a few spots touch 90 degrees west of I-95, especially with haze lurking in the atmosphere from Canadian wildfire smoke.
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Highs on Wednesday will push well into the 80s across most of New England away from the coast.
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You'll notice the hazy tint of the skies right out of the gate Wednesday morning. If you're up early, you might see an orange or red glow with the sunrise, especially across Central and Northern New England. Most of New England could catch a fiery red sunset, too.
Most of the wildfire smoke should stay suspended high in the atmosphere and avoid widespread air quality alerts, but some spots in southwestern New England and the higher elevations of the Green and White Mountains might see poor air quality with thicker smoke present. Folks with respiratory challenges might want to limit time spent outdoors tomorrow.
Wildfire smoke will push into New England Wednesday, with the thickest smoke across the north.
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Dew points will also take a jump up on Wednesday, but will remain in the 50s with the air feeling a touch heavy but still comfortable.
Thursday brings heat, humidity, & thunderstorms
This is where things get interesting. The dome of high pressure begins to break down on Thursday but not before one final surge of warmth is drawn into New England, making the day a real contender to hit 90 across Boston. Areas between I-95 and I-91 in Springfield can reach the mid-90s Thursday afternoon.
A look at weather across Boston for the next seven days.
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You'll notice the surge in humidity, too, as dew points climb to the mid-60s, making the air feel heavy and sticky.
Dew points will jump into the 60s starting Thursday, making the air feel sticky across Greater Boston.
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A weak cold front will also push into New England late in the day, which will call for thunderstorms to pop up across the frontal boundary as the air is hot and moist, or in other words, unstable. Most shower and thunderstorm activity will be across Central and Western New England with a marginal chance for a severe storm or two.
Wednesday's breakdown
Greater Boston:
Mostly sunny with haze as highs push to the mid-80s. Winds from the southwest to about 10 mph. Staying mostly clear at night with haze waning. Lows to the mid-60s.
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Southeastern Mass.:
Seeing sunny skies with some haze. Highs to the low 80s, slight southwest breeze. Immediate coastline to see temps stuck in the upper 70s. Mostly clear at night with lows to the low 60s.
Central/Western Mass.:
Sunny with hazy skies. Highs reach the mid to upper 80s from Worcester to Springfield, and Leominster to Greenfield. Berkshires stay around 80. Lows to the upper 50s and low 60s under mostly clear skies with some lingering haze.
Cape and Islands:
Sunny with a slight breeze. Some haze on the horizon. Highs to the mid and upper 70s. Staying clear at night with lows to the upper 50s.
Rhode Island:
Sunny and bright with building haze throughout the day. Highs to reach the mid-80s from Providence and parts north, upper 70s near Westerly and Newport. Staying mostly clear at night with lows to the upper 50s.
New Hampshire:
Mostly sunny skies that'll be blanketed by haze. Highs reach the 80s almost statewide, with the upper 80s near Nashua, Manchester, and Concord. Some poor air quality in the mountains. Lows to the low 60s with mostly clear skies and lingering haze at night.
Vermont/Maine:
Seeing a warm day with most of each state breaking into the 80s under mostly sunny skies with haze. The immediate Maine coast will stay in the upper 70s. Haze sticks around most of the day. Partly to mostly clear at night with lows in the upper 50s and low 60s.
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Ken Mahan can be reached at