Amid soaring temperatures, Boston broke its 100-year heat record on Wednesday with a high of 98 degrees Fahrenheit, as one meteorologist responded to the city's heat index by saying, "Holy cow."
The arrival of summer has continued to bring excessive heat across several states this week, including the first heatwave of the season for the Midwest and Northeast. Meteorologists have forecast "dangerously hot conditions" in other states.
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On Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for many parts of Massachusetts as it remains in effect until Thursday evening with a possible heat index up to 104.
According to NBC News Boston meteorologist, Pete Bouchard, the city broke the heat record at 98 degrees. The previous high record stood at 96 degrees on June 19, 1923.
"98. Just broke the record in Boston. Old record was 96 back in 1923. Heat index as high as 113 in Dorchester right now," Bouchard wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Newsweek has reached out to the NWS via email for comment.
Responding to the city's expected heat index of up to 113 degrees, Tampa Bay, Florida, chief meteorologist and climate specialist Jeff Berardelli wrote on X, "Feels like 113 near Boston? Holy cow."
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According to the NWS, the heat index spiked due to a combination of the hot temperatures and the humidity in the area, and warned the combination may cause heat illnesses, such as heat stroke.
How to Avoid Heat Stroke
The agency has advised the public to "drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors."
While the "dangerous heat and humidity" will continue through Thursday, the NWS is also advising a heat wave is expected to peak on Thursday with projected temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s in many areas.
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However, the weather service said some relief is expected in the state on Friday with a return to "more seasonable temperatures" and possible storms.
Amid high temperatures, the NWS has warned of "major heat risk" that could impact people physically, such as causing heat cramps and heat exhaustion and, unless treated, heat stroke, which can become fatal.
Those experiencing high temperatures are advised to "Dress for the heat—lightweight and light-colored clothing. Eat small meals and eat more often. Monitor those with a higher vulnerability to heat, including small children. Check in on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly. If engaging in outdoor activity, take longer and more frequent breaks and avoid the hottest parts of the day. Never leave kids or pets unattended in cars," the NWS Phoenix office previously said.
U.S. Heat Wave
Meanwhile, as many states continue to battle record heat. Florida is facing record-breaking temperatures and rip current warnings with the current heat wave expected to peak at levels approaching 100 degrees. Temperatures are expected to remain high.
This comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are an average of 702 heat-related deaths each year in the U.S.
About the writer
Natalie Venegas is a Weekend Reporter at Newsweek based in New York. Her focus is reporting on education, social justice ... Read more
