Storms Bringing End to Drought, Relief from Heat: MA Weather Forecast

A blistering heat wave and an exasperating drought are expected to be washed out by thunderstorms and heavy rainfall Friday.

Thunderstorms are slated to begin on the tail end of the Friday morning commute, between 8-9 a.m., and persist through the afternoon, between 2-5 p.m, before tapering off in the evening, according to NECN meteorologist Aaron Perry.

The rain will hit the southern part of the state with some force, with the heaviest downfall expected for Southeastern Massachusetts and the Cape & Islands. A flash flood watch has been called for those regions, with up to 4 inches of rain possible.

The rainfall is expected to total over an inch across the region by Friday night, with potentially higher local amounts.

The heat wave had already begun to wane around the state Wednesday; for the first time in seven days, temperatures didn't break 90 degrees at Logan Airport. It was one of the longest heat waves in recent Massachusetts history, with Thursday marking Day 8 in some areas around the state.

• Related: Check to see if you town has a water restriction in effect

The drought — a "severe" one, according to multiple forecasters — has put water restrictions into effect in several towns and browned many a grass field.

• Boston Rainfall Deficit since January 1st: -6.43”
• Boston Rainfall Deficit since June 1st: -1.61”
• Boston Rainfall Deficit this month: -2.26”
• Worcester Rainfall Deficit since January 1st: -8.18”
• Worcester Rainfall Deficit since June 1st: -4.67”
• Worcester Rainfall Deficit this month: -2.14”

Check your local Patch for your community's forecast