Severe thunderstorm warnings issued across Massachusetts

By Terry Eliasen, Meteorologist, WBZ-TV Exec. Weather Producer

BOSTON - The WBZ Weather Team is issuing a NEXT Weather Alert for the risk of thunderstorms on Friday.

We will be watching radar all day...we expect a line of storms to be entering western MA around midday. Peak time for storm activity in central and eastern MA will be between 2-8 p.m.  

Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued in Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Worcester counties. A tornado warning was issued for parts of Connecticut and Hampden County in Massachusetts.

There are several events going on Friday evening, most notably a Sox game at Fenway and Kenny Chesney at Gillette. Currently looks like the line will be through Boston and Foxboro by 6-7 p.m...meaning perhaps a bit of a delay but the show/game should go on!

The main impacts from these storms will be heavy downpours, frequent lightning, damaging winds, and small hail. While a tornado is not likely, a quick spin-up cannot be ruled out.

Storms will clear southeastern MA by 9-10 p.m. Friday (likely will be weaker down that way).

The weekend looks mainly dry, although we cannot rule out a pop-up shower either afternoon. It will be cooler, with highs near 80.

Looks hot to start next week and somewhat cooler to finish...so far, so good for Labor Day Weekend.  Don't see any major weather disruptions (tropical or otherwise) at this point.

We urge that you stay tuned to updates throughout the day on Friday on WBZ-TV, CBSBoston.com and CBS News Boston.