Flash Flood Risk As Damaging Storms Break Dangerous Heat Across MA: See Latest Forecast

MASSACHUSETTS — A soaking rain could spell the transition from this week's dangerous heat wave to a much more comfortable weekend ahead across Massachusetts with AccuWeather forecasting the potential for flash flooding from parts of the Philadelphia and New York City metro areas to communities west of Boston Thursday into Friday morning.

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A surge of cooler air with lower humidity will bring relief to much of the Northeast and Great Lakes region after a stretch of scorching summer heat, when Boston set a new record of 99 degrees on Tuesday, before much of the state, away from the immediate coast, was back well into the 90s on Wednesday.

AccuWeather expert meteorologists said the heat dome baking much of the eastern U.S. this week will ease as a slow-moving front, and a surge of moisture from the Gulf is forecast to soak parts of the Northeast with rounds of heavy rainfall Thursday and Friday across portions of the Interstate 95
corridor.

A zone of 2-4 inches of rainfall will extend from Philadelphia and Scranton, Pennsylvania, to areas west and north of New York City, along portions of the Interstate 95 corridor to areas west of Boston, with a maximum of 8 inches in areas where stagnant downpours set up and linger.

Periods of heavy rainfall can quickly cause flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas. Flash flooding can occur in areas that experience the most persistent downpours, especially if that occurs in urban areas.

"Heavy rainfall can lead to flash flooding in a matter of minutes, especially in areas with hilly terrain, creeks, streams and other flood-prone spots," AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said. "Drivers should never attempt to go down a flooded road, even if the water appears to be only a few inches deep. It's impossible to know how deep the water is, how fast it is moving or if the road or bridge underneath has been compromised or washed out.

"Most flash flooding fatalities involve vehicles and are preventable. Do not put yourself, your passengers, bystanders and emergency responders at risk."

Following the flooding risk, a notable turn toward cooler, drier and much less humid conditions is expected this weekend across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states. High pressure from central Canada will take control of the weekend in the Northeast, during what is typically the muggiest part of the summer.

High temperatures will go from the 90s on Wednesday to the 70s on Thursday, Friday and Saturday before rebounding to more seasonal summer highs in the 80s on Sunday and Monday.

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