MA May See Severe Thunderstorms After Extreme Heat Thursday: NWS

MASSACHUSETTS — It'll most likely be an uncomfortable day across Massachusetts thanks to extreme heat and the possibility of severe thunderstorms.

This week's wave of extreme heat will likely peak today, with heat indices reaching near 100 across Middlesex, Norfolk and parts of Essex counties. The area from Northampton to the Route 128 belt is under a heat advisory until Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Although the risk is low, thunderstorms packing strong winds and heavy rain could move across the state beginning around 5 p.m. The highest risk is generally in the Connecticut River Valley and west, but the National Weather Service said it's possible the storm could reach more eastern parts of the state.

"Heat and humidity persist through Friday with the peak of it this afternoon when heat indices approach 100 degrees. Main threat of t-storms will be west of our region later today & tonight, but a few may impact western MA/western CT this evening," the weather service said in a tweet early Thursday.

Friday will only be slightly cooler, with heat indices reaching between 90 and 95 in the eastern half of the state. Temperatures will continue to fall over the weekend, but it'll be humid Saturday and Sunday with a chance of rain showers both days.