Summer heat moving in Tuesday, threat for thunderstorms Thursday

Spring in Boston has been on the cooler side, with most days hovering in the 50s and 60s. We've managed to break 70 degrees only a handful of times.

The average arrival of 80-degree weather in Boston is May 4, so we're definitely a bit behind schedule. Last year, we hit that mark way back on April 13, reaching a toasty 88 degrees. On the other end of the spectrum, 1924 saw the latest 80-degree day on record, not arriving until June 16.

Providence and Worcester haven't hit 80 degrees either, though Hartford has enjoyed a few days in the 80s this month.

The warmth moves in Tuesday with high temperatures in the 80s for many areas, including Boston. A weak sea breeze could kick in, keeping us a few degrees "cooler" right along the immediate coast, and on the South Shore and Cape Cod.

The heat peaks on Wednesday and Thursday: some communities will likely touch 90 degrees north and west of Boston and it will be a bit humid — though not oppressively so. Be sure to remember sunblock if you're going outside these next few days, and stay hydrated.

This will not go down as a heatwave, but will be the hottest three-day stretch we've had since early September.

A cold front will sweep through Thursday from west to east, triggering scattered thunderstorms during the afternoon to evening. With the heat in place, it's not out of the question that some of the storms become severe. The main timeframe of concern is noon until 8 p.m. Keep an eye to the sky and be ready to seek shelter indoors should you need to.

Behind the front, we won't be quite as hot, though highs may still top out in the low 80s on Friday.

It looks like Saturday will be in the 70s with a pleasant blend of sun and clouds. We'll turn cooler on Sunday and Monday with the potential for some wet weather by Memorial Day.