Record Warmth Across MA: How Long Will Summer Reprise Last?

MASSACHUSETTS — New Englanders can trade in the fall flannel for their summer shorts for a few more days this week as near-record temperatures warm up the region ahead of more seasonable air seeping back in at the end of the week.

The record high temperature of 82 degrees and 80 degrees in Worcester could both be threatened on Monday with morning lows in the 40s skyrocketing into the high 70s and low 80s across Massachusetts early in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

While Monday will likely be the warmest day of the week, the well-above-normal temperatures will continue through at least Wednesday.

Tuesday will be cooler along coastal locations with a sea breeze holding temperatures in the high 60s near the shore, while it will be once again near 80 degrees inland.

On Wednesday, highs near 75 degrees could be one more taste of summer for the long winter road, both along the coast and into Worcester County.

The heat and very dry weather also bring with it an increased fire risk with residents cautioned to be careful around any open flames and be aware of the risk of brush fires.

There is no substantial rain in the forecast as the months-long stretch of dry weather has triggered a moderate drought alert across the North Shore with below-average rain for the season throughout Massachusetts.

Thursday will bring a return to reality as a cold front moves through in the morning — with a slight chance of light rain — and ushers in a cooler, brisk day with highs back in the lower 60s.

The late-October feel should settle back in from there with highs near 58 on Friday, 62 and sunny on Saturday, and a chilly Sunday in store with highs near 56 degrees with a crisp northwest wind.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)