4:20 pm Friday Afternoon Weather Update For Western & Central Mass

Radar imagery as of the time of this post indicated that there were a couple of thunderstorms occurring over the middle and upper Pioneer Valley of Western Mass. These thunderstorms are moving to the east at a forward speed of about 20-25 mph.

The thunderstorm now near the northern end of the Quabbin will push its way across northern Worcester County over the next hour or so, more or less paralleling the Route 2 corridor. This thunderstorm should reach areas around Fitchburg and Leominster by about 5:15 pm or so. Heavy downpours, some gusty winds and some lightning can be expected with this thunderstorm.

The other thunderstorm that's now located near Northampton looks rather strong & will move to the east reaching the western Worcester Hills by about 5:15 pm or so. This thunderstorm then looks to potentially reach the Worcester Metro by about 6-6:15 pm or so. It appears that this particular thunderstorm will parallel the Route 9 corridor as it moves eastward from the middle Pioneer Valley through central Worcester County. Heavy downpours, gusty winds and lightning is likely with this thunderstorm.

Areas near and south of the Mass Pike & Route 20 are safe for now in terms of thunderstorm activity. It should be noted though that there are a couple of additional thunderstorms now located over far western Mass near Great Barrington that'll need to be watched for areas around the Mass Pike from the Springfield Metro by 5:30-6 pm through Central Mass after 6:30-7 pm.