Forecast: Oh Yes, It Is Going To Be Very Hot And Humid This Week

For the next several days, the phrase "the dog days of summer" applies. The Greater Boston area is experiencing some real heat this week. Most of us won't feel comfortable outside with temperatures rising up to 90 degrees inland today.

And, in New England, the complaints are never just about the temperatures. It's that sticky, hazy humidity, too, of course.

The heat doesn't end today. A large area of high pressure will cross right over southern New England for most of the upcoming week. This will mainly bring sunshine and humid conditions.

However, a weak front sliding down from the north may bring some isolated thunderstorms Tuesday evening, and it might also make the air slightly more comfortable Wednesday afternoon by tempering the humidity a bit.

Any brief reprieve will again be replaced by sultry conditions Thursday and Friday with temperatures in the upper 80s and lower 90s. The hot temperatures will come with increasing humidity.

On Friday, a more substantial cool front will approach. This front has the potential to produce a more organized line of showers and storms to break the heat and humidity for next weekend.

Please be aware that there is a heat advisory in effect well inland through Monday evening, as well as an air quality alert for high levels of ground ozone, which can approach unhealthy standards.

The best time of day to do any strenuous activity will be early in the morning or later in the evening. Be sure to check on the elderly and pets. Finally, keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and staying away from alcoholic beverages.

Meteorologist Dave Goldbaum is in for WBUR's David Epstein

Today: Early clouds. Otherwise mostly sunny, hazy, hot and humid. Highs 87-93 inland. Upper 70s Cape Cod and the Islands.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, muggy. Patchy coastal fog late.Lows 67-72.

Tuesday: Partly sunny. Hot and humid. Highs in the low 90s with a chance of evening thunderstorms in some areas.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, and a bit less humid in the afternoon. Still hot. Highs in the low 90s.

Thursday: Hazy, hot and humid. High 93.

Friday: Increasing clouds. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High 88.