There is a 2% chance of a tornado occurring in most western parts of the state this afternoon, according to National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Emily McMinn.
“There is a chance,” she told MassLive. “We can’t rule it out at this time but it’s not overly likely.”
Western Massachusetts and Connecticut are at risk of seeing severe weather between the hours of 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., McMinn told MassLive.
Heavy downpours are expected, with precipitation totals estimated to be as high as an inch. It’s possible that residents could experience wind gusts ranging in speed from 45 to 65 miles per hour, along with the possibility of hail.
Those storms are forecasted to push eastward into Central and Eastern Massachusetts. While rain is expected for these regions, the anticipated severity of the storms is likely to lessen.
“We’re kind of expecting Worcester to get hit this afternoon by the more higher impact stuff later this evening,” McMinn said.
From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the skies in Western Mass. are expected to clear up, McMinn said.
This will cause things to heat up in that region, along with Central and Eastern Massachusetts, creating the conditions for these storms.
In Boston, Springfield and Worcester, temperatures at 9 a.m. will start in the high 60s, low 70s before gradually increasing between 72 and 73 degrees, according to a NWS post on X.
Pittsfield in Berkshire County could see temperatures rise as high as 75 degrees by noon, the post reads.
During the 9 a.m. to noon timeframe, the southeastern part of the state should expect some rain, but nothing heavy or detrimental, McMinn said.
There could also be some rumbling of thunder during that time, she said.
“Again, it’s not going to be overly frequent or anything that should be too detrimental.”
The eastern part of the state could also see some showers this morning from 9 a.m. to noon but nothing severe.
After sunset, which occurs around 8 p.m. today, a third storm system is expected to pass through the state, with moderate showers expected in the western region, McMinn said.
As the system reaches Worcester, however, it will lighten up and become less severe both in Central and Eastern Massachusetts.
On Sunday, drier conditions are forecasted along with cooler temperatures, McMinn told MassLive.
“So west of Worcester, we’re looking at mid-60s,” she said. “Everywhere else, kind of looking at high 60s, low 70s.”
