Currently in Boston — August 9, 2023: A calmer Wednesday

The weather, currently.

After torrential rain and severe weather Tuesday sunshine returns for Wednesday along with less humidity and temperatures in the 80s. The nice weather lasts into Thursday morning with more sunshine, but there is a chance for showers and storms in the afternoon and evening.

Sunshine returns for the rest of the week and into the weekend. There is a chance that dry weather lasts the entire weekend if a weather system stays out of the picture later Sunday. We have seen plenty of rain for a while anyway and could use some dry days to let things settle. This is so far the 5th wettest climatological summer on record for Boston.

— Dave Epstein

What you need to know, currently.

Florida has been the epicenter of a major marine heat wave that has strengthened all summer. Tuesday was the peak of the heat in Miami so far,

An excessive heat warning is in effect for nearly all of South Florida, with parts of the region under that highest-level heat warning for the first time ever. Heat stress is reaching record levels, with the Miami metro area facing more than 100 hours of excessive heat index so far this summer, more than double the second-worst year, according to Miami-based meteorologist Brian McNoldy. On Tuesday, the Miami heat index peaked at 113°F (45°C) — the hottest reading in city history.

Miami is the only city in the world with a Chief Heat Officer, and has worked diligently to set local heat standards to give workers frequently exposed to outdoors protections from heat-related illness and injury even as similar rules are fought by the Florida Chamber of Commerce and state officials.

For daily updates on Miami weather and climate, subscribe to Currently’s Miami newsletter, led by meteorologist John Morales.

—Eric Holthaus

What you can do, currently.

Currently is now a member of the Covering Climate Now partnership, a resource-sharing initiative devoted to making sure the biggest story in human history is told in ways that resonate with everyone.

Take a look at the list of our new partners and maybe find a new favorite podcast or website to support!