Risk Of Severe Thunderstorms Tuesday & Wednesday
BOSTON (CBS) - It was bound to happen sooner than later: the risk of damaging thunderstorms has returned to New England.
So now seems like the perfect time to remind you about some severe weather terms and safety tips.
TUESDAY FORECAST
Let's focus on Tuesday's risk first:
The time frame of biggest concern for strong to severe storms comes late in the day (3 to 9 p.m.), as a cold front approaching from the west coincides with the maximum daytime heating.
Prior to 3 p.m., a few storms are likely, but they should not reach severe thresholds.
A severe storm is defined as a thunderstorm producing hail that is at least 1 inch in diameter or larger, and/or wind gusts of 58 mph or greater, and/or a tornado.
The storms Tuesday will be scattered in nature, meaning coverage will range from 30-50 percent. Not everyone will see a storm, and of course, not every storm will become severe, but you'll certainly want to keep an eye to the sky and monitor for warnings later on today.
If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued for your area, that means a storm is occurring or imminent, and you should seek shelter indoors immediately.
WEDNESDAY FORECAST
On Wednesday, storms will fire up between 12-8 p.m. Once again, they'll be scattered in coverage. While we won't be as warm at the surface tomorrow, there's plenty of cold air aloft to create significant instability in the atmosphere.
Hail and damaging wind gusts are the primary threats both today and tomorrow – though keep in mind, any thunderstorm is capable of producing torrential rain and lightning.
Of course, we'll keep you posted as storms fire up later on today and break in live on WBZ-TV if necessary.
"When thunder roars, go indoors"
-Danielle