Boston got a muggy start to the work week with temperatures reaching the low 80s across Greater Boston, and a front brought scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms across Western and Central New England.
Quick look Tuesday
The heat is on once again. Tuesday features cloudier start with a shower possible, turning to a mix of sun and clouds with more sunshine in the afternoon as temperatures push into the upper 80s, low 90s. The immediate coast stays in the 80s. There is a very low chance of a spot shower returning in the afternoon, but it will be isolated.
Heat alerts extend nearly statewide from Boston into Western Mass. with dew points in the low to mid-70s, making it feel closer to the mid-90s or slightly higher across the region.
The setup — hot and muggy with a low chance for a spot shower
A pocket of high pressure will begin to build across the Northeast and bring a southwesterly flow into the region, building temperatures while humidity somehow increases in an already muggy atmosphere.
Monday’s front that brought some storms through the region will stall across Southern New England, leading to a couple of morning showers under variable clouds. Streaks of sunshine will break through in the afternoon.
There could be a chance for an isolated spot shower or two later in the day, but they’ll be few and far between, with Boston and most of the region staying dry Tuesday.
The real weather story Tuesday will be the return of oppressive heat, as dew points will rise into the mid-70s for some while afternoon highs reach the mid to upper 80s along the coast, including Boston, and low 90s west of I-95 for some.
Boston may end up missing the threshold for a heat wave this week with a slight sea breeze keeping Logan stuck in the upper 80s at times. But the third heatwave of the season is likely to hit Newton and west across Mass., and south into Connecticut and Rhode Island. Southern New Hampshire could register a heat wave as well by the time Thursday afternoon rolls around.
This increased heat and humidity will make it feel closer to the mid-90s and triple digits for some, prompting heat alerts across most of Southern New England, including Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Providence. Just make sure you’re staying hydrated while outdoors and taking breaks in the shade. The 90s may be in play for afternoon highs through Thursday.
Weekend sneak peek
After a shower and chance of T-storms Thursday and Friday, the weekend is trending comfortable with high pressure delivering a dry stretch and a break from the oppressive humidity.
This would mark three straight weekends with no rain in Greater Boston. We’ll keep watching to see how the pattern takes shape as the week goes on.
Tuesday breakdown
Greater Boston: A morning shower is possible with a mix of sun and clouds building with highs pushing into the upper 80s. The north and south shores stay in the low to mid-80s. High dew points will make it feel well into the 90s. A very low chance for a late spot shower, but likely west of the region.
Southeastern Mass.: A cloudy start with a sprinkle possible in the morning. Variable clouds with stretches of sunshine in the afternoon. Highs to the mid-80s near the coast, a touch warmer inland. Low chance for a spot shower in the afternoon.
Central/Western Mass.: Decreasing clouds as the morning goes on. Highs reaching the 90-degree mark from Worcester to Springfield, Leominster to Greenfield. Highs reach the mid-80s in the Berkshires. High dew points make it feel hotter. A chance for a spot shower is possible.
Cape and Islands: A morning seeing a spot shower and clouds. Partly cloudy with highs reaching the upper 70s in the afternoon. A slight breeze of 10 mph with muggy air in place. A very low chance for a spot afternoon shower.
Rhode Island: A blend of clouds and sunshine with more sun likely in the afternoon. Highs reach the mid-80s, but dew points may make it feel well into the 90s, especially north of Providence. Newport stays in the upper 70s. A low chance for a spot shower.
New Hampshire: Mostly sunny skies with highs pushing into the upper 80s and low 90s. Slightly improved dew points in the mid- to upper 60s.
Vermont/Maine: Mostly sunny skies with highs pushing into the upper 80s and low 90s. Slightly improved dew points in the mid- to upper 60s.
Sign up here for our daily Globe Weather Forecast, which will arrive straight into your inbox bright and early each weekday morning.
Ken Mahan can be reached at ken.mahan@globe.com. Follow him on Instagram @kenmahantheweatherman.