Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect until 8 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Our extended, six day heat wave likely has come to an end. Temperatures will stay in the 80′s this afternoon, but dew points will remain very high, in the 70′s as we remain out ahead of an approaching cold front. This afternoon remains a First Alert Weather Day with the threat of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. In fact, The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for all of western Mass, all of southern New England, New Hampshire and Maine until 8PM.

Storms have the potential to bring damaging winds, large hail, frequent lightning, heavy rain and even a small tornado. Thunderstorms will become more widespread as the afternoon goes on. The Storm Prediction Center places western Mass under a “Slight” risk for severe weather, a level 2 out of 5 on the SPCs scale for severe weather.

The front will move through this evening and behind it, it will turn cooler and drier with temperatures and dew point falling into the 50′s to near 60 by morning. Tomorrow and Wednesday are looking much more comfortable as High pressure moves in from Canada. Both days will be mostly sunny with highs in the mid to upper 80′s. However, dew points will be mainly in the 50′s. Two nice, late July days.

The next chance for showers and storms comes Thursday as we pick up a southerly flow out ahead of low pressure and another cold front. Thursday may end up being a First Alert Weather Day as well a few strong to severe storms possible. The front may stall keeping the shower and storm chances going into Friday, but should move out in time for the weekend with a cooler, drier air mass moving in by then.

Copyright 2022. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.