BOSTON, MA — A severe weather risk has been posted for parts of New England as forecasters warn that thunderstorms could bring damaging winds and knock out power to thousands. The threat is centered on Tuesday and continues into the overnight hours into Wednesday.
The weather setup is being driven by a shifting heat dome and increasing heat and humidity, which are expected to help storms develop across the upper Northeast.
Why are forecasters concerned about damaging winds?
The FOX Forecast Center says storms are likely to form along the northern edge of the heat dome as a ridge of high pressure settles into the northern tier of the U.S. early next week.
The main concern is wind damage, with thunderstorms expected to be strong enough in some areas to down trees and power lines.
Which states are under the Level 2 risk?
A Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk has been issued for far northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and much of Maine for Tuesday.
The risk area is expected to cover much of the upper Northeast, with the most active window during the afternoon and overnight period.
How could the storm timing change?
Forecasters say a disturbance moving out of Canada will sweep into northern New England before pushing east overnight, setting up the chance for severe thunderstorms.
The exact timing and coverage of the storms may still shift as forecast models get a better handle on the strength and placement of the high-pressure ridge.
What should residents in the region watch for next?
Residents across New England should follow forecast updates through midweek as the severe weather threat evolves. The combination of heat, humidity and incoming storms could bring a brief but disruptive round of damaging wind gusts.
Forecasters say the strongest storms will be monitored closely as the system moves through the region Tuesday into Wednesday.
Bronxville News keeps New York and the region covered, day and night.