Severe Thunderstorms Possible Today in Western MA

This is not going to come as any surprise to folks who have been outside this morning -  it's humid, sticky, and sunny, and all the conditions are percolating for some interesting weather this afternoon. 

About 30 minutes ago, the National Weather Service issued this "special weather statement" for our region today: "Scattered strong to possibly severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon. A cold front dropping south from Northern New England will become the focus for scattered thunderstorms to develop early this afternoon. Thunderstorms were already forming in southern New Hampshire late this morning. Additional storms will develop across Massachusetts, especially near the Mass Pike. Some storms may produce strong and possibly damaging wind gusts and hail in addition to lightning and heavy rainfall. If you have outdoor plans, have a safe place to go if thunderstorms approach, such as a vehicle or inside a home or building. Remember if you can hear thunder you are close enough to be struck by lightning."