BOSTON, MA — A round of heavy rain and thunderstorms is expected to move into the Boston area Tuesday afternoon, with forecasters warning that some storms could turn severe. The WBZ Weather Team has issued a NEXT Weather Alert for Tuesday afternoon and night because of the risk of downpours and isolated damaging winds.
Clouds and a more humid air mass were already building across Massachusetts early Tuesday, setting the stage for several rounds of unsettled weather.
When Is the Main Storm Threat Expected?
Most of the first impactful weather is expected between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., according to the forecast. A few spotty showers could form earlier in the day, but the main concern is a later push of scattered heavy downpours and thunderstorms.
There is also a chance for more rain late Tuesday night before another storm threat arrives with Wednesday’s cold front.
How Severe Could the Weather Get?
The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of central and eastern Massachusetts in a marginal risk for severe weather Tuesday. Forecasters say the setup does not favor widespread severe storms in southern New England, though isolated storms could still produce damaging straight-line winds.
The broader severe weather risk is expected to stay higher in parts of New York state and the mid-Atlantic.
What Impacts Are Forecasters Warning About?
The main local concerns are scattered downpours, localized flooding and isolated wind damage. Rain totals may vary sharply across short distances, with some neighborhoods seeing 1 to 2 inches or more while others get little rain at all.
Forecasters say the uneven rainfall pattern could make flooding problems highly localized rather than widespread.
What Happens After The Front Moves Through?
Another chance for storms is possible Wednesday as the cold front crosses Massachusetts, but conditions are expected to improve afterward. Sunshine and drier air should return by the end of the week and likely persist through the weekend.
One immediate uncertainty is the Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park, which could be affected by the stormy weather Tuesday night.
Bronxville News keeps New York and the region covered, day and night.