heat wave in boston for wbur

July 2026

An extreme heat warning is in effect through Sunday for much of southern New England, as stifling heat and soupy humidity have taken hold. Thursday's temps have the potential to top 100 degrees in Boston, with the "real feel" reaching as high as 115.

The punishing weather arrived just ahead of the July Fourth holiday weekend, as the city prepares to host the 2026 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular outside on Saturday. Already, the heat is affecting the celebration; Officials announced that the Hatch Shell won't open to the public until 4 p.m. because of the high temperatures.

India Wilder dips her feet into The Boston Common Frog Pond during her lunch break. The spray pool opened for the summer on Friday, June 26, 2026. (Artemisia Luk/WBUR)

The Lim family of Canton sits on a shady bench in Boston Common. They’re grateful for the free local recreational facilities like Frog Pond, which Aldrica Lim says was less common in his hometown in the Philippines. (Artemisia Luk/WBUR)

Parents watch from nearby tables as their children play in The Boston Common Frog Pond. (Artemisia Luk/WBUR)

Siblings Clarence Kisambira and Christian Diaz of Brookline eat Italian ice from a food stand in Boston Common. (Artemisia Luk/WBUR)

Jad Torres prepares to drive a Swan Boat in Boston Common. During particularly hot days, the boats are protected by a striped green fabric to provide shade to the driver and riders. (Artemisia Luk/WBUR)