Thursday, 4:30 PM
Summer arrives with a wave of hot, sticky weather
By Andrew Ryan, Globe Staff
The temperature hit 95 degrees at 3:19 p.m. at Logan International Airport, making it the hottest day of 2007.
"Tomorrow will be worse," said Bill Simpson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Taunton. The humidity is expected to increase significantly, he said, which will make the 95-degree-plus temperatures feel even hotter.
The sultry temperatures have exacerbated high ozone levels, creating unhealthy air throughout New England, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The heat also increases the demand for electricity, which contributes to particle air pollution.
"As this hot summer weather continues, we predict that southern and central New England will continue to experience unhealthy airquality," Robert W. Varney, administrator of the EPA's New England regional office, said in a statement. "Everybody can help reduce smog-forming emissions by driving less, by using public transportation and by setting air conditioner thermostats a few degrees higher."
Mayor Thomas M. Menino issued an advisory for the summer’s first mini-heat wave. The city has opened its cooling centers, which can be found by clicking here or here.
"The summer heat can be dangerous if we don't take the right precautions, so it’s important that we all help each other stay safe and cool," Menino said in a statement. "The city is here to assist all residents this summer, especially our seniors and those with young children."
Relief isn't expected until Thursday evening, when a new front should bring cooler air and a band of thunderstorms. It is expected to be a comfortable 70 degrees by Friday, with the air cooling down to 50 degrees at night.
While 90-degree days are normal in New England in June, the contrast with the cooler weather can make it feel more uncomfortable.
"There is a psychological acclimation that the body has to go through," Simpson said. "If you live in Florida, you are used to this. But not here."
