News Summary
Severe thunderstorms struck New England right before the Fourth of July weekend, causing power outages and hazardous conditions across the region. Wind gusts of 65 to 70 mph resulted in downed trees, particularly affecting Southeastern New Hampshire and Southern Maine. Approximately 8,000 power outages were reported in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Despite the storm’s aftermath, a dry and sunny weekend is forecasted, promising ideal conditions for Independence Day celebrations. Residents are advised to stay cautious around downed power lines while enjoying the holiday festivities.
Boston, MA – Severe thunderstorms swept through Northern and Southern New England on Thursday, causing hazardous conditions ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, impacting thousands of residents and disrupting power supplies across the region. Wind gusts reported between 65 to 70 mph resulted in downed trees, particularly in Southeastern New Hampshire and Southern Maine, prompting widespread power outages.
As of Friday evening, Eversource reported approximately 6,000 power outages in eastern Massachusetts and another 2,000 in Connecticut. The storm created risky conditions, and residents are urged to remain cautious around any downed power lines while recovery efforts are ongoing.
Despite the storm’s aftermath, the system has ushered in dry air that sets the stage for a sunny and dry Fourth of July weekend. This weekend is forecasted to be the first completely dry July weekend in Boston since early March, allowing families and friends to enjoy Independence Day celebrations without weather disruptions.
The weather outlook for Friday indicates the presence of healthy high pressure across the region. On this day, mostly clear skies are expected, with temperatures expected to rise into the low 80s during the day. By Friday night, temperatures will dip into the upper 50s, creating a comfortable atmosphere.
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular scheduled for Friday night is anticipated to occur under mostly clear skies with light winds, making for pleasant viewing conditions. Temperatures during the event are expected to hover in the low 70s.
Looking ahead to Saturday, the forecast predicts partly sunny skies with temperatures lingering in the low 80s. By Sunday, however, weather conditions could shift, causing temperatures to rise into the 90s due to heightened humidity.
Regional Variations in Weather
While a generally pleasant weekend is forecasted, various regions in New England will experience slightly different weather patterns:
- Greater Boston: Highs are anticipated in the low 80s on Friday, moving above 90 on Sunday, with comfortable dew points.
- Southeastern Massachusetts: Continued sunny weather is expected with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s.
- Central/Western Massachusetts: Conditions will be mostly sunny, with highs ranging from the 80s to 90s over the weekend.
- Cape Cod and Islands: This area should see highs ranging from the upper 70s to low 80s, maintaining sunny conditions.
- Rhode Island: Partly to mostly sunny skies are expected, with high temperatures reaching the low 90s by Sunday.
- New Hampshire: Residents can expect temperatures starting in the mid-70s, increasing over the weekend under mostly dry conditions.
- Vermont/Maine: Both regions will experience partly to mostly sunny conditions, with highs climbing from the mid-70s to low 90s.
Conclusion
In summary, the threat posed by Wednesday’s severe thunderstorms has diminished, paving the way for a festive and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend for residents across New England. With temperatures rising and mostly clear skies anticipated, families are encouraged to partake in outdoor celebrations safely while remains vigilant regarding power restoration efforts following the recent storms.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: New England Storm Damage
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Spectrum Local News: New England Thunderstorm Forecast
- Google Search: New England Weather Forecast
- The New York Times: New Jersey Storm
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Fox Weather: Severe Thunderstorms in New York
- Google News: Severe Thunderstorms
- Turn to 10: Risk of Strong Thunderstorms
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather and Thunderstorms
