ALT This graphic displays a severe thunderstorm warning plotted on a map. The warning is in effect until 6:45 PM EDT. The warning includes Springfield MA, Chicopee MA and Westfield MA. This warning is for Western Worcester County in central Massachusetts, Hampshire County in western Massachusetts, Central Franklin County in western Massachusetts and Hampden County in western Massachusetts. The threats associated with this warning are wind gusts up to 60 MPH and pea sized hail. There are 722,602 people in the warning along with 247 schools and 17 hospitals.

ALT National Weather Service Boston severe weather outlook for Friday, October 16, 2026. A map of southern New England highlights the risk for isolated severe thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening, primarily between 5 PM and 10 PM. A Slight Risk (Level 2 out of 5), shaded yellow, covers southwestern portions of southern New England, including southwestern Connecticut, including part of Hartford County. A Marginal Risk (Level 1 out of 5), shaded dark green, extends across much of the remainder of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Areas north of Gloucester and Lowell, shaded light green, have the lowest severe weather threat. The primary hazards are damaging wind gusts and frequent lightning, with heavy rainfall as a secondary threat. Not all communities will experience severe thunderstorms.