My Personal Weather Station

Weather at Boston, Logan International Airport, MA - via NOAA's National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Massachusetts Issued by the National Weather Service

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

5/16/12 Summer Thunderstorms Possible today

Scattered Severe Thunderstorms are possible today primarily west of Boston in Western and Central MA, NH and northern CT away from the influence of the ocean air. The primary threat today will be hail and strong straight line -bow type winds and heavy rain. As with any severe weather event a tornado cannot be ruled out, but conditions do not favor rotation of storms today.
1 PM today, some thunderstorms may develop along the Northshore. 

A thunderstorm set up today, as the rain will push away from the coast. The factor for how strong the storms across MA will get is when the low clouds break away over New England. With such situation. The sun acts as the energy source to promote thunderstorm growth. The more sun and heating of the day, the stronger the storms can become. Therefore, if the clouds break away along the coastline BEFORE 11-12 today, there is the chance for a pop up, isolated thunderstorm before the main line arrives later this afternoon.


A line of thunderstorms will move out of NY into New England around 4-5 PM today. Heavier storms are also possible in Northern Vermont, NH and Maine as well. A sea breeze will likely keep any severe weather limited along the MA coastline, however a pop up thunderstorm is still possible on the Boston area.  If you are curious you can view the model run here to see a loop 
An image to show where to expect heavy downpours associated with Thunderstorms. Most of the activity will be in Central and Western MA today. The RED indicates the current time give at 7 PM tonight and the Green indicates a time 90 min prior at 530 PM.  Note the BOW echo nearing Worcester. Strong winds could be possible.
After today, a great stretch of sunshine and mild temperatures return through early next week with mild days and cooler dry nights.