A hard rain's a-gonna possibly fall

Storm over Hadley
Photo taken by S. Vardatira, July 24, 2009

You wouldn't know it to look outside at this moment, but two severe weather alerts have just been posted for today. First, we are under a heat advisory through 6 pm this evening (the worst of it between 1 pm and 5 pm). Expect heat index values (what it will feel like outside) around 100 degrees due to temperatures in the low 90s and dewpoints near 70. The second alert concerns the risk of strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with the highest risk north of the Mass Pike - which includes us here in Amherst, of course. These thunderstorms may bring locally strong to damaging wind gusts and possible hail.

The biggest uncertainty is whether or not these isolated strong storms merge into a larger complex of thunderstorms. If that happens, we could get dangerous cloud to ground lightning, heavy rain, localized flooding, and significant wind damage. So keep a watchful eye as you go about your afternoon. Drink plenty of fluids and if you hear thunder, head for indoor shelter.