Severe Thunderstorms, Dangerous Heat For Massachusetts

FRAMINGHAM, MA — A muggy and humid Saturday will feature dangerous heat and severe thunderstorms for parts of the commonwealth Saturday. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory in parts of Middlesex and Essex counties from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Rain and thunderstorms will follow.

The advisory was issued for northeast portions of the state, including the Merrimack River Valley and Central Middlesex, Southeast Middlesex and Western Essex counties. The cities of Framingham, Lowell, Lawrence and Cambridge were all included in the advisory.

Temperatures were expected to hit the 90s with dew points in the low 70s. The heat index was expected to hit 100 or higher, NWS said. The hot temperatures and high humidity are conducive to heat illnesses.

To stay cool and healthy, the National Weather Service advises residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sunshine, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

The region should brace for potential storms and showers through Saturday afternoon and evening. NWS reports storms could bring the risk of localized flooding and high winds. A cold front will move into southern New England in the afternoon bringing a line of strong to severe storms with the potential for frequent lightning and localized heavy downpours. Middlesex County and parts of Plymouth, Bristol and Essex counties may be affected. Parts of Rhode Island and Connecticut were also expected to get hit by storms.