PHOTOS: Keeping Cool During Boston's First Heat Wave Of The Year

The year's first heat wave in Boston — and most of Massachusetts — stretched into its fourth day on Tuesday, with the thermostat reaching at least 96 degrees at Logan Airport.  The city has opened up several cooling centers to help people cope with the heat. The centers will stay open until 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Rain and thunderstorms are expected to roll in during the afternoon, and may offer some brief relief, but the National Weather Service said the hot and humid weather will last until Thursday.

On Monday, Boston reached a high of 96 degrees, almost breaking its 1999 record of 97 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Even as the heat baked the region, some people stepped outside to find ways to chill out. WBUR photographer Jesse Costa spied several people catching a break at the Christian Science Plaza's fountains.