People in Boston, MA are especially likely to experience increased risks from precipitation, heat, and flood.

Boston has a prolific arts and culture scene and is filled with lively theaters, historic architecture, thought-provoking public art, and acclaimed artists and playwrights. Boston’s location on the coast and along the Charles River makes it especially susceptible to all types of flooding risks due to increases in extreme precipitation, storm surges, and sea level rise.

A downpour for Boston, MA is a two-day rainfall total over 1.0 inches. Around 1990, about 40.0% of precipitation fell during these downpours. In 2050, this is projected to be about 45.0%. The annual precipitation in Boston, MA is projected to increase from about 47.0" to about 50.4".

Extreme precipitation in any form can pose significant risks. Climate change is increasing the potential for extreme rainfall or snowfall because warmer air can hold more water vapor. See more information on storm risk. Property owners can take steps to reduce their risks from extreme precipitation.

In a typical year around 1990, people in Boston, MA experienced about 7 days above 91.0ºF in a year. By 2050, people in Boston are projected to experience an average of about 29 days per year over 91.0ºF.

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves, even in places with cooler average temperatures. See more information on heat risk. Everyone can take steps to reduce their risks from extreme heat.

Of 336 census tracts in Boston, MA, there are 162 where more than half of buildings have significant risk from storm surge, high tide flooding, surface (pluvial) flooding, and riverine (fluvial) flooding. Property owners can check a specific address for flood risk including FEMA flood zone, then take steps to reduce their vulnerability to flooding damage.

Climate change is increasing inland and coastal flooding risk due to sea level rise and increasing chances of extreme precipitation. See more information on flooding risk.

The Charles watershed, which contains Boston, MA, has experienced 415 weeks (35% of weeks) since 2000 with some of its area in drought of any level, and 34 weeks (3% of weeks) since 2000 with some of its area in Extreme or Exceptional drought. Source: National Drought Monitor.

Climate change is increasing the risk of drought. Water stress (the ratio of water demand to supply) depends on how water utilities source water and their plans to adapt to climate change. Property owners can also take steps to reduce their risks from drought.

Of 336 census tracts in Boston, MA, there are 63 where more than a quarter of buildings have significant fire risk, and 41 where more than half of buildings have significant fire risk. Property owners can take steps to mitigate their risks from wildfires.

Fire risk depends on proximity to vegation: densely developed urban areas have a much lower risk of burning than areas adjacent to wildland. Climate change increases risks from wildfire by creating hotter, drier conditions for fires to spread. ClimateCheck ratings of fire risk are based on projected weather conditions and U.S. Forest Service models simulating fire behavior.