Heavy rain and high winds up to 65 mph are on the radar in Massachusetts for Thursday evening, as a strong storm system passes through the state.
A wind advisory was in effect for all of Massachusetts, starting late Thursday or early Friday, that won’t be lifted until the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
But for now, calm before the storm will last through the day on Thursday.
Under sunny skies, temperatures will reach highs of 44 degrees in Pittsfield, 48 in Springfield and up to 49 in Worcester, Boston and Hyannis. Clouds will roll in Thursday night as winds begin to pick up.
The rain is expected to hit Western Massachusetts first, with the precipitation spreading eastward across the state by Friday morning. Rainfall totals are projected between a half-inch and one inch statewide, with some areas receiving up to 2 inches.
High winds will be the most impactful part of the storm, forecasters warn, particularly in Eastern Massachusetts. Cape Cod & the Islands face the highest risk, with dangerous wind gusts between 55-65 mph expected.
Boston, Worcester and Springfield will receive gusts up to 50 mph, with stronger 60 mph gusts along the southern coastline of the state.
These winds will pick up late Friday morning into the afternoon, forecasters said, as the rain tapers off and a cold front moves in.
There’s a chance the rain could turn to snow in the Berkshires as temperatures drop from the 50s across the state during the day, to lows in the 20s on Friday night.
More rain showers could be on the way this weekend with another round of gusty winds, forecasters warn.
