Humidity building in today; shower/storm chances for start of weekend

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The humidity has returned today along with warmer temperatures, which will reach into the 70s to around 80 this afternoon. While most of the day looks rain-free, it will stay mostly cloudy. Southerly breezes kick back up and gusts to 20-30mph are expected again. The chance for a shower or thunderstorm increases mainly around dinnertime, especially for the valley. Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms linger into the overnight hours with occasional downpours. Severe storms are not expected, but an early strong storm is possible in Berkshire County.

Our holiday weekend will begin with a continued chance for showers and thunderstorms. Expect a warm, humid day tomorrow with a shower early, then scattered storms later in the afternoon and evening. A few strong to severe storms are possible. Gusty breezes will be felt throughout the day ahead of an approaching cold front. With the threat of isolated severe storms tomorrow is a First Alert Weather Day. The Storm Prediction Center places western Mass under a “Marginal” risk for severe weather, a 1 on their scale to 5.

Once a cold front passes through tomorrow evening, any showers and storms come to an end. Humidity lowers significantly for Sunday with a great day shaping up. We should see tons of sunshine along with highs near 80 and a light breeze. Hotter weather is expected Memorial Day with some upper 80s and even 90 degree readings, but humidity remains comfortable. Tuesday will be another 90 degree day, but with higher humidity.

The long-range forecast features a possible backdoor cold front Wednesday, that could bring cooler, less humid air if it can reach western Mass. However, even if it does it should be short-lived as heat and humidity return Thursday. A front should bring showers and storms late Thursday, followed by drier, seasonable air for next weekend.

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