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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston and beyond are in the midst of a dangerous heat wave heading into Independence Day weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for much of Massachusetts through 8 p.m. Saturday, with a heat advisory for the Northern Berkshires and the Cape & Islands.
Heat index values (which factor in the humidity) are expected to reach 100 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday and Friday and 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday, the NWS says.
Thursday's record high is 98 degrees Fahrenheit set in 1963. Friday's record high is 102 degrees Fahrenheit set in 1911.
The city of Boston is under an excessive heat warning through Friday. Cooling centers, splash pads, and community pools are open throughout the city. Boston Public Library locations are also available to help people beat the heat.
In addition to the scorching hot temperatures, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has issued an air quality alert through 11 p.m. Thursday.
Temperatures look to cool down starting Sunday.