Heat and humidity to continue, with record-breaking temperatures forecast for Tuesday

By Evan Allen, Globe Staff

The hot and humid weather will continue to scorch New England early this week after showers tonight, with near-record breaking temperatures forecast for Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures will hover in the lower 90’s on Monday and climb on Tuesday, bringing Boston close to the 1999 record of 98 degrees, said Glenn Field, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service.

The good news: humidity should stay low on Tuesday, which, with any luck, will keep the heat index below 100, said Field.

“We’re watching that closely to see if we need a heat advisory,” said Field.

A cold front should bring relief on Wednesday, said Field, but as the cold air meets the hot and humid air, scattered thundershowers will form. They could be strong, with heavy rain and gusting wind. Temperatures on Wednesday are projected to be about 90 degrees.

But after Wednesday, it’s clear blue skies and beautiful weather for the rest of the week. The temperatures during the day will range from the upper 70s to the mid 80s Thursday through Sunday, said Field, and at night, they’ll drop to the 50s and 60s.

“It’ll be sunny days and clear, cool nights,” said Field. “Good sleeping weather.”