Boston, Massachusetts – Dangerously high heat and humidity are gripping southern New England, with a heat advisory in effect for Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island through 7 p.m. Thursday. Residents in cities including Boston, Hartford, and Providence can expect heat index values near 100 degrees, raising urgent health concerns.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, the advisory covers much of the region, including Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, Framingham, Taunton, and Fall River in Massachusetts; Hartford, Tolland, and Windham Counties in Connecticut; as well as Providence, Kent, Bristol, and Newport Counties in Rhode Island. The advisory began Wednesday afternoon and will last until 7 p.m. Thursday, July 17.
City streets, public transit, and highways like I-90, I-84, and I-95 are expected to see heat-related slowdowns and delays. Local agencies urge residents to limit outdoor activities, avoid strenuous work during peak hours, and check on vulnerable neighbors or relatives. Emergency rooms across the area are preparing for potential heat-related illnesses as temperatures climb. In Boston and Worcester, cooling centers have opened, and school districts are monitoring after-school activities. Hydration, air conditioning, and shaded areas are strongly recommended.
This marks one of the hottest stretches of summer so far in New England, rivaling similar July heat waves from 2022 and 2021. The risk of heat exhaustion is highest in urban centers, especially for those without access to cooling or adequate hydration.
The heat advisory remains in effect through 7 p.m. Thursday, with updates possible if conditions worsen. Residents should monitor local alerts for further information.
