Boston is bracing for a bout of hot, humid weather to close out the workweek, with a chance of rain and thunderstorms peppering the area. Forecasts suggest that while eastern Massachusetts may see some reprieve from severe weather, parts of western Massachusetts, Connecticut, and southern Vermont/New Hampshire should keep an eye out for more intense conditions later today. "A slight chance of showers before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 4pm, showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm," detailed the National Weather Service, highlighting a 60% chance of precipitation with potential for new rainfall.
The timing of the storms seems to quickly be following a path from west to east, expected to hit the western regions by afternoon and weakening as they venture towards Boston post-sunset. According to a NBC Boston report, "We'll watch the threat to materialize in western New England by 4 to 5 p.m., then slide east by 7 to 9 p.m. in weakened form." Residents are advised to keep abreast of these changing conditions as the night progresses into a general rainfall.
Relief is in sight for the weekend, with forecasts predicting a cloudy Saturday morning to gradually clear up, ushering in a sunny day with a high near 74 degrees, as per the National Weather Service. With the passing of the unsettled weather, a fresh airmass is anticipated to set the stage for "stellar" weekend conditions.
However, the reprieve is to be short-lived with the forecast heralding a heat wave for the following week. "Huge bubble of high pressure in the upper atmosphere will create conditions ideal for a heat wave," NBC Boston warns, anticipating dangerously hot conditions midweek. Temperatures are projected to rise to the mid-90s, with heat indices making it feel like it’s over 100 degrees in some areas. Residents are advised to make plans to stay cool and limit time spent outdoors under the sweltering conditions.
