NORTHAMPTON — Severe thunderstorms could be rolling into Hampshire County Monday afternoon, bringing in strong winds and a potential for hail.
The National Weather Service put out a special weather statement for 2 p.m. and afterwards covering most of southern New England, particularly central and western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut. The area is at a “slight risk” of facing heavy downpours, thunder and lightning, and winds of 58 miles per hour or greater. With high humidity and high temperatures in the low 90s today, all that’s needed to trigger such a storm is a cold front moving in from the west, said National Weather Service meteorologist Kim Buttrick.
Although the conditions are right for a storm, Buttrick noted that we won’t know for sure that it’s coming until just before it starts.
“We need to see the whites of its eyes,” she said.
Storm or no storm, the main consideration for people today will be to beat the heat and humidity. She recommended that everyone stay hydrated, spend time in air conditioning and wear light clothing when going outside.
In its statement the agency recommended that “If you have outdoor plans today… keep an eye to the sky and get indoors when you first hear thunder. Wait at least 30 minutes until the storm passes to resume outdoor activities.”
“When thunder roars, go indoors,” said Buttrick.