The Storms Prediction Center has placed portions of our entire area in a "slight" risk, or level 2. The SPC also has increased the risk of some damaging, straight-line winds Friday afternoon and evening, particularly from Worcester County and areas south-westward.

Some relief from the heat arrives on Saturday, with a mainly dry day and temperatures cooling back down to the 80s for much of the state. The Conneticut River Valley should see temperatures in the high 80s, while it should stay cooler on the coast, with highs in the low 80s.

A heat advisory is in effect in Boston and several other Massachusetts communities through 7 p.m. on July 17. The National Weather Service warned of "dangerous heat and humidity" with heat indices soaring to 95 to 100 degrees. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also declared a heat emergency for the City of Boston from July 16 to 18.

As another bout of sweltering heat is set to hit Massachusetts, the MBTA is alerting riders that the extreme heat could cause delays on the commuter rail on Friday.

National Weather Service forecasters also warned of a "handful" of strong to severe thunderstorms on Friday afternoon.

On a southwest wind, temps snuck up to around 90 yesterday, and today, we’ll head into the mid 90s. The record for the date

With extreme heat warnings in effect across major U.S. cities, officials urge residents to prioritize safety and hydration during this dangerous heat wave.

A heat advisory goes into effect Thursday for parts of Connecticut where heat index values will soar past 100 degrees on Friday.

The National Weather Service already has issued extreme heat warnings, watches and advisories across a swath of the Midwest and South.