5 pm Thursday Afternoon Weather Update

A strong thunderstorm is now moving through Ludlow, Wilbraham & Palmer. Reports indicate that this thunderstorm is producing a significant amount of wind in Wilbraham where tree damage has occurred.

This strong thunderstorm is expected to move through Monson, Brimfield, Wales, Holland and Fiskdale over the next 30 minutes. Expect some very gusty winds of up to 50-55 mph, heavy downpours and lightning when these thunderstorms move through. It is possible that some of the strong winds with this thunderstorm will produce additional tree damage & downed power lines. So, HEADS-UP Monson, Brimfield, Wales, Holland and Fiskdale.

3:30 pm Thursday Afternoon Weather Update For Western Mass & Parts Of Central Mass

An area of thunderstorms has entered far northwestern Mass just east of North Adams. This thunderstorm is moving in a southeasterly direction at a forward speed of about 30 mph.

It is anticipated that this thunderstorm will reach parts of the middle and upper Pioneer Valley from Northampton and Hadley northwad to Amherst and South Deerfield by about 4-4:15 pm.

From there, this thunderstorm could reach parts of the lower Pioneer Valley from about Springfield and Ludlow eastward through Palmer, Monson & Brimfield by about 4:45 pm-5 pm.

Beyond this, this thunderstorm could reach areas around Sturbridge, Southbridge, Charlton and Dudley by 5:15-5:30 pm.

It is expected that this thunderstorm will produce mainly torrential downpours and lightning when they move through.

Finally, the rest of Worcester County is not expected to be affected by this thunderstorm with only far southwestern Worcester County seeing the effects of this thunderstorm by 5:15-5:30 pm.

Some Much Less Humid Weather Is Still On The Way Starting On Friday Across Western & Central Mass

It appears that some showers and thunderstorms that are now located over western New York State will make their way through parts of our area from about midnight tonight into the early morning hours of Thursday.

Some scattered heavy downpours and maybe a thunderstorm or two looks to affect areas of Western and Central Mass that are located near and south of the Mass Pike between about midnight tonight until about 4-5 am Thursday morning. Any thunderstorms that do occur will not be strong or severe. Areas north of the Mass Pike look to stay mainly dry throughout tonight.

Any showers and thunderstorms will be done by sunrise Thursday morning & skies during the day on Thursday looks to feature a mixture of sunshine and clouds. It's possible that there could be a few showers and thunderstorms during the late afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday. Most areas though probably will be dry throughout Thursday and Thursday evening as any showers or thunderstorms will be very hit or miss.

High temperatures Thursday will be around 80 Degrees. Dew point temperatures will be in the lower 60s.

Much less humid air moves in for Friday & stays with us throughout this weekend.

Lots of sunshine is expected on Friday with high temperatures between 75 and 80 Degrees. Dew point temperatures will be in the low 50s.

Saturday looks sunny with high temperatures near 75 Degrees. Dew point temperatures will be in the low 50s.

A frontal system is expected to approach the area as we get into Sunday. The speed of this front will be important in determining if it rains on Sunday or not.

At this point, I think it's possible that we could see an increase in shower activity by late Sunday afternoon with most of the shower activity occurring on Sunday night into Monday morning. This will be something that will be watched as a faster frontal passage would mean a wet Sunday. Alternatively, a slower frontal passage would keep things dry on Sunday with showers then occurring on Sunday night and Monday.

High temperatures Sunday will be around 75 Degrees. Dew point temperatures will be in the mid 50s.