Severe storms and tornadoes could batter parts of Massachusetts Tuesday night, ahead of what is expected to be the last day of excessive heat on Wednesday, the National Weather Service announced.
These strong to severe storms are expected to start between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., beginning in parts of western Massachusetts, before these storms roll across the interior, forecasters said in a post on X.
“Strong to severe storms possible with the main threats of strong wind gusts and small hail,” forecasters said in the post.
Due to the severity of these storms, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Berkshire County, which will remain in effect until 9 p.m. Another severe thunderstorm watch went into effect at 5:55 p.m., covering most of eastern, central and western Massachusetts, according to a weather service post on X.
Forecasters warned of quarter-sized hail, scattered wind gusts up to 70 mph and a possible chance for tornadoes. The watch will remain in effect until 1 a.m. Wednesday.
Conditions should weaken as storms move east and dissipate by 10 p.m. when they reach eastern Massachusetts. By 2 a.m. Wednesday, stormy conditions should have all but evaporated from the Bay State.
Overnight lows should reach between 70 and 75 degrees, while areas located within higher terrain can expect temperatures to be in the high 60s, forecasters said.
The threat of thunderstorms is not expected to stop on Wednesday, as the last day of oppressive heat this week, forecasters continued. Heat indices are expected to leave areas feeling like it is anywhere between 97 and 102 degrees. Standard temperatures are expected to be between 90 and 95 degrees across much of southern New England.
An ongoing heat advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Forecasters urge people during the day to drink “plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”
But forecasters warn that more thunderstorms could develop Wednesday night, with rainfall totals measuring 2 inches. The chance of heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding in some areas too. During the overnight hours, a cold front should move south despite the continued chances for showers and isolated storms.
Low temperatures again are expected to be between 70 and 75 degrees, and conditions should remain humid.
Thursday is expected to feel dry and seasonal as dew points drop, “which will be much more comfortable compared to what we have just experienced this past week,” forecasters said. Temperatures should feel 5 to 10 degrees cooler than they were at the start of the week, though these temperatures are expected to feel higher than normal at this point in July.
Conditions should stay dry going into the weekend, with the next chance of rain expected to come Wednesday, July 24.
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