BOSTON (WHDH) - The heat and humidity is expected to ramp up over the next few days in Massachusetts, leading to dangerously hot conditions across the region.
Temperatures are projected to reach into the low to high 90s Wednesday through Saturday, which would clinch the state’s third heat wave of the year.
A heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday for all of the Bay State, excluding the Cape and the Islands.
The heat index will near 100 degrees that day.
An excessive heat warning has been issued from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday for parts of Middlesex, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol, Worcester, and Suffolk counties.
The heat index will near 105 degrees in those areas.
An excessive heat watch remains in effect through Friday evening.
Citing an expected increase in ozone levels, state environmental officials also issued an air quality alert, effective from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, for eastern Hampden, eastern Hampshire and southern Worcester counties.
Many Bay Staters flocked to the ocean to keep cool on Wednesday. Hundreds of people could be seen at Nantasket Beach in Hull and Crane’s Beach in Ipswich.
At New England Base Camp in Milton, kids were being kept in the shade as cooling fans remained on full blast.
Officials at Fenway Park say misting blowers will be available at the gates and fans will be permitted to bring unopened bottles of water to Red Sox games throughout the week. Additional EMT teams will also be on hand.
The UV index forecast remains very high through Friday, meaning it takes just 25 minutes to develop a burn if out in the sun.
Boston Mayor Kim Janey declared a citywide heat emergency and announced the opening of cooling centers.
For those who cannot avoid being outside, experts say to make sure to stay hydrated and stay in a shaded area.
“I think it’s a common misconception that the heat is uncomfortable but I think it’s also important to note that the heat can be dangerous,” Brigham and Women’s Dr. Andrew Eyre.
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It is normal to feel a little sticky and uncomfortable in temperatures like this but the public should be mindful of symptoms like headaches, aches and nausea.
“And especially when you get to the point that you’re confused or having a tough time functioning, that’s a sign that’s really on the more dangerous side of the spectrum of heat-related injuries,” Eyre said.
People are encouraged to check in on the elderly and vulnerable and reminded not to leave pets or children in cars.
Temperatures are expected to fall back into the 80s with lower humidity by Sunday.
Visit the 7Weather page for the latest updates.
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