MA Weather: 106 Degrees Means Health Risk

September is this weekend, but don't tell Mother Nature. The National Weather Service is warning people that this heat wave is taking it to a new level today, pushing heat indices into the triple digits, as high 106 degrees in some parts of the state.

Much of Eastern Massachusetts remains under an excessive heat warning until 9 p.m. The NWS said in that posting that heat indices might even get as high as 110. Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 90s, with dew points in the mid 70s. The rest of the state is under a heat advisory.

The heat index - much like a 'real-feel' temperature in the winter - is how much heat you'll be feeling outside. In an excessive heat warning, heat-related illnesses like heat cramps or sunstroke are "likely." Heat stroke is possible with continued physical exertion outside.

A top ER doctor at Mass. General told WHDH that this kind of heat wave can be deadly. "Once you’re feeling weak or dizzy, or you’ve gotten a headache, get inside and start drinking water," Dr. Ali Raja said. "What I often tell my patients is if you’re starting to feel thirsty, it’s probably a little bit too late."

Even the nighttime isn't bringing relief. Last night's low temperatures were similar to the average high temperatures in June, the NWS said. The overnight low in Boston was 81 degrees, which ties the second-warmest low temperature all-time, on any day.

The extreme heat will wane for Labor Day weekend.

Boston-area forecast through Labor Day

Wednesday - Sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday night - Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 6 mph.

Thursday - A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 86. West wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday night - A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then a slight chance of showers between 9pm and 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday - Partly sunny, with a high near 74. East wind around 7 mph.

Friday night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Saturday - Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74.

Saturday night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Sunday - Partly sunny, with a high near 81.

Sunday night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Labor Day - A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.

NWS Image