Wednesday’s 1°Outside Insights: Late Week Favors More Thunderstorms As Heat Breaks Down

The deep heat of our midweek in New England will break down at the end of the week, says Matt Noyes, and this increases the chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms – some severe, with damaging wind, hail and, of course, lightning.  Matt also gives an honest assessment of a weekend forecast that has showers, but doesn’t look all out “rainy.”  Also, if you missed our post of how to track tropical storms in our app, click here to see that.

Social media can be hit or miss, so if you ever feel like you might be missing an update, always check our homepage, 1degreeoutside.com, for the latest posts and videos. Here’s what’s happening today and in the days ahead.

Current Weather Overview

Off to the north and west, a cold front that dropped half a foot of rain in parts of Minnesota yesterday with flash flooding and an observed tornado near Duluth is moving slowly our way. High pressure anchored off the coastline is bringing in a southerly and southwesterly wind, feeding warmth and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.

Thunderstorm Potential

The heat and humidity provide a lot of fuel for thunderstorms. Though there’s not much of a trigger, differential heating in the mountains and hills can cause storms to pop up. Here’s what to expect:

Today:

• Areas to Watch: Southern Vermont, southwest New Hampshire, and possibly northern and central Massachusetts, points north.
• Storm Timing: Best seen using our app with the “past plus future” radar mode for accuracy, but generally noon onward.

Severe Thunderstorm Risk:

• The Storm Prediction Center has elevated northern and central New England to an isolated severe thunderstorm level. Damaging wind and hail are possible with any severe storms.

Heat and Humidity

The deep heat continues through Thursday, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s. Feels like temperatures will be around 100 to 105 degrees. Northern Maine may see a slight dip, but the heat remains intense through the heart of New England.

Thursday:

• Temperatures: Mid-90s, with storms potentially even reaching as far south northern Massachusetts and along the Route 2 corridor by the end of the day.
• Severe Storms: Scattered severe storms expected as the atmosphere starts to change.

Upcoming Changes

Friday:

• Temperature Drop: Highs will be in the 80s for most areas. An onshore breeze in Eastern New England may cause temperatures to drop further, especially in the afternoon.
• Showers and Thunderstorms: Scattered storms expected in central and southern New England.

Saturday:

• Variable Weather: A frontal boundary will be over the region, creating a variable wind pattern and an elevated chance of showers. Expect a mix of morning showers and potential breaks in the afternoon, but timing of any disturbance will be critical.  At this point, not expecting an all out “rainy” day.

Sunday:

• Late Day Disturbance: Likely to start quiet, with an increased chance of downpours or thunderstorms late in the day into the evening – again, timing of the disturbance is critical.

Stay Informed

For more detailed forecasts for your specific location, download our app from the App store or Google Play. You can find the link at the top of the banner on our homepage, 1DegreeOutside.com.