Severe thunderstorms forecast in Massachusetts. Maps show the timing and risk.
BOSTON - The WBZ Weather Team is issuing a NEXT Weather Alert for the risk of downpours and some severe thunderstorms across Massachusetts late Wednesday through early Thursday.
A hot and humid airmass sits over New England on Wednesday, soon to be removed by an approaching cold front. The result is likely to be an active night of weather.
Severe weather threat
The Storms Prediction Center has upgraded parts of our area from "marginal" risk of severe storms to "slight" risk (area in yellow).
They have also added a 2% tornado risk for far southwestern New England, largely in Connecticut.
Tornadoes are not high on the list of concerns with the impending cold front here in southern New England. The highest risks are for heavy downpours, localized flooding and damaging wind gusts.
When will it start raining?
Through 8 p.m. Wednesday:
Mainly just building cumulus clouds and a slight chance of a few isolated showers/storms.
8 p.m. Wednesday-4 a.m. Thursday:
Most of our weather models are indicating that this is the time of highest risk for downpours and a few severe thunderstorms, particularly between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
4 a.m.-8 a.m. Thursday:
There may be a few remaining downpours, mainly in far eastern Massachusetts in the early hours on Thursday.
Most of the wet weather should be clearing the coastline after 7-8 a.m.
Weekend forecast
Once the storms pass, we are in for a couple of sparkling, comfortable days.
Thursday afternoon and Friday look lovely with low humidity and ample sunshine.
We will see increasing clouds on Saturday and periods of wet weather Saturday night through Sunday.