New England Weather Alert: Wind, Hail, and Lightning Could Wreak Havoc Thursday Afternoon

New England Weather Alert: If you’re planning anything outdoors this Thursday afternoon or evening, now is the time to start paying attention. A round of strong to potentially severe thunderstorms is expected to move through the region between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m., with the potential to bring damaging winds, hail, and sudden downpours. From Boston to Burlington, communities across New England could see fast-changing conditions that may impact travel, events, and power lines.

What’s Causing the Storms?

A clash of weather systems—warm, humid air pushing up from the south and a cooler front arriving from the west—is setting the stage for volatile skies. The result is a recipe for scattered thunderstorms, some of which could quickly turn severe. The New England Weather Alert issued by local and national forecasters signals an elevated risk for damaging gusts, isolated hail, and heavy rainfall.

This isn’t an all-day event, but during the window from mid-afternoon through early evening, the threat is real. Areas most at risk include southern New Hampshire, central and western Massachusetts, northern Connecticut, and parts of Vermont and Maine. While the exact timing and intensity will vary by location, it only takes one storm to cause disruptions.

What Should You Expect?

Here’s what forecasters are highlighting:

• Gusty winds over 50 mph that could knock out power or bring down tree limbs

• Hail possibly up to an inch in diameter, especially in stronger cells

• Localized flooding in spots with poor drainage due to heavy, brief rainfall

• Frequent lightning, which can pose a hazard to anyone caught outside

The storms are expected to begin developing in the western parts of New England by 2 p.m., with the risk shifting eastward through Boston, southern Maine, and coastal areas by early evening. By 10 p.m., the main threat should be winding down—though a few lingering showers may persist later into the night.

How to Prepare

• Check for local updates throughout the day from the National Weather Service or trusted local news

• Make backup plans for outdoor events or commutes

• Keep your phone charged and flashlights handy in case of power outages

• Stay indoors during thunder and lightning—especially during the peak storm hours

While these storms may be scattered, they could be intense where they do hit. Don’t assume because the sun is shining in the morning that the day will stay calm.

FAQ About New England Weather Alert

1. What’s going on with the New England Weather Alert for Thursday?

There’s a heads-up for folks across New England: storms are expected to roll through Thursday afternoon into the evening, roughly from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.. These aren’t just your average showers—some storms could bring strong winds, hail, and heavy rain, which might affect your evening plans, commutes, or even power.

2. Who’s most likely to see the worst of it?

The storm risk stretches across much of New England, but areas like central and western Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire, northern Connecticut, and parts of Vermont and Maine may see the strongest activity. Still, these systems can be unpredictable, so it’s smart for everyone in the region to stay weather-aware.

3. What kind of damage are we talking about here?

If the storms hit your area, you might see gusty winds strong enough to knock down tree limbs or power lines, hail the size of small coins, and downpours that cause quick street flooding. Even if it’s brief, a single strong storm can make a big impact—especially if you’re caught outside or on the road.

4. What should I do to get ready or stay safe?

A little prep goes a long way. Make sure you:

• Keep up with the latest forecasts through your favorite weather app or news station

• Bring in anything that could blow away outside (grills, chairs, umbrellas)

• Try to avoid being outdoors during the storm window

• Charge your phone and have a flashlight handy in case the power goes out

And of course, if you hear thunder—head indoors.

5. Will it storm all day or just part of the day?

It won’t be a total washout. The storms are expected to develop in the afternoon, starting out west and moving eastward through the evening. Most of the activity should wrap up by 10 p.m., but a few scattered showers might hang on later into the night. So you may start the day with sun and end it with thunder.