6 pm Weather Update For Western & Central Mass

The complex of strong thunderstorms is now pushing its way through the Berkshires at the time of this post. Additionally, the complex of storms seems to have turned more to the southeast & is now moving in a southeasterly direction at a forward speed of 30 mph.

These strong to even severe thunderstorms will push into the middle and upper Pioneer Valley by 6:15-6:30 pm & then into the lower Pioneer Valley, including the Springfield Metro by 6:45 pm-7 pm or so. Wind gusts of up to 40-60 mph, torrential downpours and very frequent lightning is all expected with these storms.

The turn into a more southeasterly direction may mean the strongest of the thunderstorms may be confined to Western Mass, including the entire Pioneer Valley. That said, western parts of Worcester County may see thunderstorms, some of which might be strong by about 7:15-7:30 pm or so. This will be something that'll need to be watched.

As for the rest of Worcester County, heavy downpours are still possible during the 7:30 to 8:30 pm time frame. It's now possible that the strongest of the storms will stay just barely west of much of Central Mass. Exception to this may be across far western Worcester County from the Quabbin southward through Ware, Warren, the Brookfields and Sturbridge.

More updates will be posted as needed.