Torrential rain early in the week, followed by tropical heat and humidity, will make for a beach weekend where Massachusetts residents will once again have to keep an eye out for swimming closures across the state.
For the second straight week, up to 5 inches or more of rain fell across parts of the state — contributing to the type of stormwater runoff that often closes beaches to swimming in the summer, with more than 40 closed as of Wednesday morning.
After a pair of very pleasant days midweek, the heat and oppressive humidity will return for the end of the week with high temperatures near 90 degrees and dew points well into the 70s.
The bacteria used as indicator organisms to test the waters at beaches are Enterococci and E. coli. Marine beaches are tested for the presence of Enterococci. Freshwater beaches are tested either for the presence of E. coli or Enterococci. Enteric bacteria are indicator organisms found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans, often associated with fecal contamination.
An elevated presence of these organisms indicates the water may not be safe for human or animal consumption or contact, and may cause symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal pain to eye and ear discomfort to flu-like symptoms.
Most of these symptoms are minor, but occasionally a more serious illness may occur. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing serious symptoms.
Some beach areas may remain open for recreational activities, though any contact with the water is strongly discouraged.
Massachusetts beaches closed as of 10 a.m. on Wednesday included:
See Latest Forecast (National Weather Service):
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 5 to 7 mph.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
Thursday
A slight chance of showers after 3 p.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 98. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday
A chance of showers, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 92. West wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of showers between midnight and 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Light west wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Saturday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Saturday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 88. West wind 7 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 71. West wind 5 to 8 mph.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 88. West wind 5 to 11 mph.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. West wind 6 to 8 mph.
Tuesday
A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. West wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
See Also: These Are The Top-Ranked Hospitals In Massachusetts: U.S. News
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