Boston one day away from first heat wave of 2013

From FOX 25 Meteorologist Sarah Wroblewski:

After hitting 91 degrees in Boston on Sunday we soared into the mid 90s this afternoon. The mercury has reached 95 so far, which ties the record for the date set back in 1976. If we hit the forecasted lower 90s again Tuesday, this stretch of hot and humid weather will be the first heat wave in Boston since July 13-15, 2012.

Through the afternoon and evening, we will continue to keep an eye to the sky for any thunderstorm development. Storms are already firing up through NY, western CT, VT and NH and moving very slowly to the east. The most likely areas to see the threat of these storms will be western and central Mass into southern NH.

That doesn't mean a storm can't impact Boston, it's just that the best dynamics are slightly west. Everyone should be on alert as any storm that develops will likely contain locally heavy rain and gusty winds—not to mention lots of lightning.

Hazy, hot and humid is the mantra through the entire week. Tomorrow is essentially a repeat of today.

A slow moving front will bump up the thunderstorm chances mid-late week. At least temps will fall back into the 80s. Indications are currently that this pattern will continue into the weekend.

It's National Lightning Safety Preparedness Week. Here are some interesting, and noteworthy, facts from the National Weather Service in Taunton:

-About 300 lightning injuries are reported in the U.S. each year

-Lightning often strikes 10 miles from rain. It doesn't have to be raining for you to be struck by lightning. A strike 34 miles away from thunderstorm rain is on record.

-One lightning strike contains millions of volts and is only 1"-2" wide

-80 percent of lightning victims live. It is vital that you start CPR or seek medical treatment immediately to give the victim the best chance at survival.

Cox Media Group