Severe Weather In MA Friday Likely: National Weather Service

MASSACHUSETTS — Friday's heat and humidity will help thunderstorms roll across the state Friday, with the biggest risk outside the I-95 belt, according to the National Weather Service.

The storms may begin as early as noon and last through about 9 p.m. Friday. Heavy rain and high wind gusts will be the biggest threat, with hail also possible.

"Main concern continues to revolve around the threat for scattered severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with the main risk northwest of I-95. Timing of the convection remains tricky, but appears we may have two rounds. The first in the noon to 5 p.m. range on a pre-frontal trough and perhaps a second round as the shortwave approaches early this evening," the weather service said in a forecast early Friday morning.

Outside of the main area of concern, the Cape and islands will also have a marginal risk of severe weather. Friday will also be hot, with temperatures peaking near 90 in the Boston area and 86 in Worcester.

But the severe weather will clear the way for a very nice weekend across the state. Some rain showers may linger across the eastern half of the state Saturday morning before a trend of dry, seasonable weather with temperatures in the 70s.