Severe Thunderstorms, Hail, Low Tornado Risk In Forecast

MASSACHUSETTS — Friday's high temperatures will be met with potentially severe thunderstorms later in the day, and forecasters aren't ruling out the possibility of hail or a tornado.

Temperatures will get close to the 80s, making for the warmest day of the week — potentially of the year, so far. But the National Weather Service said a cloudy morning and early afternoon will give way to serious storms between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. A simulated radar, which can be seen below, shows isolated storms until a larger system moves through around 7 p.m.

"Main concern will be damaging straight line wind gusts, but hail and even the low risk for a tornado exists," the NWS tweeted Thursday morning.

The heavy winds and strong downpours will be the primary threats. Power outages are always a concern when powerful winds pick up, and the NWS is warning of possible street flooding.

Boston-area forecast via NWS

Today - A chance of rain before 2pm, then isolated showers between 2pm and 3pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Light south wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight - Showers and thunderstorms likely before 1am, then scattered showers. Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain. Cloudy, with a low around 59. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.

Saturday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Light southeast wind.

Sunday - Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night - Showers likely, mainly after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Light south wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday - Showers. High near 56. East wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Monday Night - Showers likely, mainly before 11pm. Cloudy, with a low around 47. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday - Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Northeast wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Tuesday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.

Wednesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph.

Wednesday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Light and variable wind.

Thursday - Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Light and variable wind becoming south around 6 mph in the morning.