Friday Storms Rip Across SNE

Friday evening was wild across Southern New England.  Although we could see lightning and hear thunder most of the Blackstone Valley was spared the strongest thunderstorms.  A severe storm ripped through Worcester, Grafton, Westboro, Southboro and Framingham (among others).  Another severe storm tore through Northern Rhode Island and treated us to one hell of a light show last night.

The damage reports are numerous across the region.  Here is the radar image from 749 PM last night

NWS Boston Radar 749 PM 7/22/2016 (image via RadarScope App)

 That nasty looking cell in Worcester produced this damage in Southboro (images thanks to the National Weather Service Skywarn Spotter Network facebook page)

Clifford Road Southboro- John Mauro

Codarville Road Cemetary Southboro - John Mauro

Breakneck Hill Road Southboro - John Mauro

A lot of weather enthusiasts root for severe weather but it is important to remember the power of these storms and the destruction they can cause.  For many folks across the commonwealth today is not a fun day.   That said the power of mother nature is second to none.    A threat of thunderstorms also exists this afternoon and tonight.

General Overview
The surface chart this morning shows high pressure in control to our Southwest and a cold front to the northwest.

9 AM Northeast Surface Analysis (College of Dupage WxCenter)

You might not believe me if you step outside but we are actually a bit less humid today compared to yesterday thanks to our position on the backside of an upper level trough in the atmosphere.  Notice the dew points in the 70's stop just south of New York City and then compare the position of the upper ridge and trough

8 AM 500 mb vort, heights (College of Dupage WxCenter)

That doesn't make it cool- we don't live at 18,000 ft.  In fact it is already 91 in Boston!  The record if 100 set in 1952.   The city will probably settle around 97-98 but this is an impressive start.  Most weather stations in the Blackstone Valley are reading close to 90 as well.  With all this heat and an upper level feature expected to cross the region this afternoon expect another round of showers and thunderstorms.

SPC Thunderstorm Outlook Saturday

Here is the simulated radar as of 6 PM.  This is not meant to be exact- just a representation of where the model thinks convection will fire later.  In this case it makes sense that most of the action is in Northern New England closer to boundary.  It isn't a great Saturday afternoon at the Northern New England beaches.  Hopefully Roger Goodell is home. Some of this action will spill into Southern New England.

14z HRRR Simulated Radar 6 PM (Image College of Dupage WxCenter)

These should struggle to get south of the Pike.  If they do it will be this evening.    Lows tonight fall into the mid 60's.  We rebound to around 90 (give or take) Sunday with mostly sunny skies.  It will still be hot Monday and extremely humid.  A warm front will lift through Monday AM leaving the region in the "warm sector".  A cold front will approach from the west with a strong line of thunderstorms.  Keep an eye on the forecast if you have outdoor plans Monday evening,

Have a great Saturday

-Zack Green