As New England braces for a notable increase in heat and humidity, forecasters are warning of potential thunderstorms that may impact residents throughout the area.
While drought conditions are not yet a concern, the anticipation of another low-rain month could begin to have an effect, sweeping into the region following a drier June.
On Tuesday, the weather is expected to take a turn, with humidity levels creeping up significantly as scattered morning showers make their way through under predominantly cloudy skies.
By the afternoon, the scenario could escalate as more potent thunderstorms develop across the region, potentially affecting travel in and around Boston.
Temperatures are forecasted to soar into the upper 80s, with dew points climbing into the 70s, creating a heat index that might feel reminiscent of mid-90s—prompting some meteorologists to issue heat alerts as conditions grow increasingly oppressive.
Residents should be prepared for wet weather impacting both morning and evening commutes, with the first round of showers likely dissipating by early afternoon.
The weather pattern is characterized as a classic summer storm setup, fueled by an area of low pressure moving across New England. As a warm front pushes through Tuesday morning, it will bring cooler, cloudy conditions alongside the threat of scattered light showers.
However, as the day progresses, sunshine may break through, leading to a more unstable atmosphere. With increasing temperatures and moisture, this instability is expected to generate a more significant round of thunderstorms by late afternoon and into the evening commute.
The arrival of a cold front from the west will heighten the potential for severe weather, as warm, humid air collides with cooler air masses. This setup could prompt a line of showers and thunderstorms characterized by heavy rains and gusty winds as evening approaches.
A local feel of heavy air will greet many stepping outside on Tuesday, further intensifying as southwesterly winds push dew points higher. Despite the foggy morning, the potential for afternoon sun can raise the day’s temperatures into the mid and upper 80s, with coastal areas notably warmer owing to a delayed sea breeze.
For those planning trips to the beach, water temperatures are expected to hover around 70 degrees, providing some relief from the heat.
Even with the overshadowing clouds in the morning hours, the atmosphere stands well primed for thunderstorms throughout the later parts of the day, especially from Worcester to the Berkshires. This region is more likely to experience intense weather, although storms will likely weaken slightly as they approach Boston.
Currently, the outlook suggests that although a few thunderstorms may produce strong downbursts, resulting in damaging wind gusts reaching 50 mph or more, the morning’s cloud cover could ultimately limit the severity of the storms overall.
There remains a minor possibility for quick spin-up tornadoes, but conditions are not anticipated to support widespread tornado activity.
As the storms develop, some areas may endure intense downpours, potentially accumulating between a quarter to half an inch or more, which could lead to localized flooding in vulnerable areas.
Looking ahead, the weekend appears promising, with forecasts indicating a major shift in weather conditions. High pressure is expected to settle across the region, paving the way for a rain-free Independence Day weekend.
With this shift, Friday and Saturday are expected to offer mostly clear skies, a gentle breeze, and temperatures ranging from the upper 70s to the low 80s.
As for the specific weather outlook across different regions of New England on Tuesday, Greater Boston will begin with mostly cloudy and muggy conditions with shower chances, to be followed by warming highs in the upper 80s. Expect evening thunderstorms as a potential hazard.
In Southeastern Massachusetts, cloudy skies may produce a few morning showers, with highs expected to reach the mid-80s later in the day.
Central and Western Massachusetts will experience a similar pattern with some morning showers giving way to afternoon sun, then transitioning to thunderstorms in the mid-afternoon, particularly in the Berkshires.
On the Cape and Islands, conditions start cloudy with a minor chance of showers, but temperatures should still manage to reach the mid-70s with a gentle breeze.
Rhode Island residents will see mostly cloudy morning skies with similar temperatures peaking in the mid-80s, with the possibility of thunderstorms later.
New Hampshire is also set for predominantly cloudy skies interspersed with sunshine while expecting heavy showers and thunderstorms throughout the day, with highs pushing into the low to mid-80s.
Vermont and Maine are slated to experience similar weather patterns, with a greater cloud cover and scattered storms throughout the day, leading to possible flooding in low-lying areas.
For those wanting continuous updates, signing up for the daily Globe Weather Forecast may prove beneficial.
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