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.

Mayor Michelle Wu declared a heat emergency for Boston from Wednesday through Friday, with the heat index predicted to fluctuate from 91 to 97 degrees with little overnight relief, the city announced.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

A heat advisory has been issued in parts of Massachusetts through the end of the week as temperatures start to rise.

Heat and humidity are on the rise, with a heat advisory in effect tomorrow through Friday. Inland temps will hit the 90s, paired with high humidity levels.

A heat advisory is in place across the Northeast, from Maryland to Maine, where residents are bracing for temperatures 5 to 15 degrees above average.

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