Lengthy Heat Wave In MA Ending With Possible Thunderstorms

CAMBRIDGE, MA — Massachusetts will be under a heat advisory for just a few more hours before a cold front brings a major cooldown to all parts of the state on Wednesday.

A heat wave that began almost a week ago will go out with a bang. The heat index Tuesday could reach triple digits in communities like Cambridge, Brockton and Lowell. Worcester will be one of the coolest places in the state, with the heat index only reaching 96, according to forecasts.

A cold front will sweep across Massachusetts beginning around 2 p.m., and that will mean possible thunderstorms as cold and hot air collide. All of Massachusetts south of Route 2 will have a marginal chance of severe weather until about 10 p.m., according to forecasts.

"The cold front should lead to T-storm development near or south of the Mass Pike. Localized straight line wind damage, frequent lightning & brief downpours possible," the National Weather Service said in a tweet Tuesday morning.

Come Wednesday morning, temperatures will be in the mid-60s across the state. High temperatures will remain in the high 70s and low 80s across all of central and eastern Massachusetts through the weekend, according to AccuWeather.

But until cooler temperatures arrive, heed the heat advisory, which expires at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances," the advisory says.