Boston's cool air brings beach-perfect weather, with a clear evening ahead; weekend forecasts show potential for rain and thunderstorms.

We’re on the way to brighter and hotter in the coming hours, as a new heat waves spurs. This will be the region’s third of the season. It’s not likely to be too sustained, and in fact may fall just short of the technical definition – three days with temperatures at or above 90 degrees.

Boston faces a hot Thursday with a Heat Advisory; relief and cooler temperatures are expected after a cold front with potential rain and thunderstorms later in the day.

Heat alerts extend nearly statewide with high dew points making it feel closer to the mid-90s or slightly higher across the region.

Whether it’s pouring or pleasant, you can make the most of these fleeting summer days with this set of (virtually) weatherproof weekend ideas suggested by our arts team.

Looking for an indoor activity where you can cool off and beat the heat? Journey into space at the immersive Moonwalkers exhibit in Boston.

Boston is likely to break the previous heat record for June 24 set at 95 degrees in 2013, Cadima said. The record high for June in Boston is 100 degrees, set three times in 1925, 1952 and 2021.

With sweltering conditions bearing down on the city once again, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has declared the city’s second heat emergency of the summer.