New England is bracing for a bout of severe weather as scattered thunderstorms move across the region. Expect heavy downpours, damaging winds, and hail. Keep an eye on the sky, and stay tuned for the latest updates. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the expected weather patterns, including the timing and intensity of the storms, as well as a look ahead to the weekend forecast.
We’ll cover everything from the immediate threat of severe thunderstorms to the anticipated heat, offering insights and recommendations to help you navigate the weather conditions. From Boston to Rhode Island, the storms have already begun, leading to several severe storm warnings and the interruption of outdoor events.
We’ll provide a detailed forecast for the weekend, including expected temperatures, sky conditions, and chances of rain, and a breakdown of what to expect in different regions of New England, including Greater Boston, Southeastern Massachusetts, Central/Western Massachusetts, Cape and Islands, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. Finally, we’ll wrap up with key takeaways and final thoughts on the weather patterns.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch in Effect
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for much of Southern New England into Friday evening. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to continue moving through the region, bringing heavy downpours, damaging winds, and hail. The primary areas affected include Boston, southeastern Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Concert-goers at the Newport Folk Festival experienced a brief interruption as they were forced to seek shelter until the storms passed. The Cape and islands may see storms closer to 7 p.m. While a lingering shower might disrupt evening plans, conditions are expected to clear up by 9 p.m., with overnight lows in the 60s.
Carlos R Munoz posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “Buckets and buckets of rain in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.” Another post stated, “Heavy electrical storm passing over Central Rhode Island at this time. Stay indoors.”
Rainfall Totals and Potential for Localized Flooding
Rainfall totals from these storms will vary, with some areas receiving only a tenth of an inch while others may accumulate closer to a half inch. Locally, amounts of up to an inch are possible. There is also a risk of localized flooding, so drivers should exercise caution.
A tree fell on a mobile home on Alfa Drive in Pawtucket on Friday afternoon. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
An elevated risk of severe thunderstorms exists across parts of Southern New England on Friday afternoon. The forecast rainfall through Friday evening indicates varied precipitation levels across the region.
Heat Wave Peaks with Temperatures Soaring into the 90s
The brief but intense heat wave reached its peak on Friday, with Boston hitting a high of 95 degrees, tying for the second-hottest day of the year in the city. Widespread heat advisories were issued due to the combination of high temperatures and humidity, with dew points in the 70s causing heat index values to soar into the 100s.
Boston’s daily record high for Friday is 96 degrees, set in 1882, and it was at risk of being tied or broken. Heat index values are expected to push into the triple digits on Friday.
Dew points on Friday are forecast to reach the low 70s for most of New England.
Weekend Weather Outlook: A Mix of Sunshine and Showers
The heat subsides, with Boston set to see a great weather day on Saturday as a quick pocket of high pressure settles in behind Friday’s front. Temperatures and humidity won’t drop as significantly as they did earlier in the week, but relief will be noticeable across New England. Highs are expected to reach the low to mid-80s under mostly sunny skies and a slight breeze, making it a perfect day for outdoor activities.
However, Sunday will be more unsettled as a wave of energy reaches the city and most of Southern New England. Expect scattered showers and a few general thunderstorms, mainly during the afternoon. While Northern New England has a better chance of staying drier, it is not completely in the clear.
Highs will remain in the low to mid-80s region-wide, except for the immediate New England coast. A map shows that highs on Sunday should range from the upper 70s to the mid-80s across New England.
Detailed Regional Forecast Breakdown
For Greater Boston, expect hot and humid conditions on Friday, starting sunny but turning cloudier in the afternoon. Highs will be in the mid to upper 90s, with afternoon thunderstorms. Saturday promises a beautiful day with mostly sunny skies and highs in the low to mid-80s. Sunday will see partly to mostly cloudy skies with highs in the low to mid-80s, with scattered showers or a general thunderstorm, mainly in the afternoon.
In Southeastern Massachusetts, it will be a touch cooler but still hot, with highs to the mid-80s along the coast and low 90s inland. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected. Saturday will bring mostly sunny skies with highs in the low 80s. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, with a chance for a shower or two.
Central and Western Massachusetts can anticipate hot and very muggy conditions, with highs to the mid-90s and upper 80s in the Berkshires. Storms are likely to begin late morning west and afternoon across Worcester County. Saturday will be beautiful with highs in the mid-80s under mostly sunny to completely blue skies. Sunday will be partly to mostly cloudy with highs still reaching the mid-80s, with the Berkshires closer to 80 degrees. A couple of showers are possible, with a general thunderstorm chance.
Cape and Islands will be partly to mostly sunny with increasing clouds later on Friday. Highs to the low and mid-80s. Showers and a thunderstorm are possible in the evening. Saturday will be a great day to be on the Cape, with highs to the upper 70s under mostly sunny skies. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a chance for a couple of showers and highs in the mid and upper 70s.
Rhode Island will experience hot and humid weather with highs in the upper 80s and low 90s. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the afternoon. Saturday will bring sunny skies with highs ranging from the low to mid-80s. Sunday will be partly to mostly cloudy with a shower chance and highs in the upper 70s and low 80s.
New Hampshire will start with more clouds than sun north of Plymouth, flipping south across Manchester and Concord. Highs will spread from the low 80s to the low 90s north to south along the state. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the afternoon. Saturday will be very nice with highs to the upper 70s and mid-80s under mostly sunny skies. Sunday will be partly to mostly cloudy statewide with highs to the upper 70s and low 80s. A chance for a shower or two, especially in the southern portions of the state.
Vermont and Maine will have similar conditions to New Hampshire on Friday, with more clouds up north to cool temperatures slightly. The upper 80s and low 90s across the southern areas. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected mostly throughout the afternoon. Saturday will bring lots more sunshine with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s. Sunday brings a mix of sun and clouds, with more clouds in the afternoon. A chance for a shower or thunderstorm, especially south and in the afternoon.
In Conclusion
In summary, New England is facing a mixed bag of weather conditions. While the immediate threat of severe thunderstorms and intense heat poses challenges, the weekend forecast offers some relief with a mix of sunshine and scattered showers.
Remember to stay informed about the latest weather updates, take necessary precautions during severe weather, and make the most of the pleasant conditions when they arrive. Stay tuned to FYM News for continuous coverage and updates on the ever-changing weather patterns in New England.
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