Severe Weather Possible This Afternoon

It's warm. It feels humid. And the sun is high in the sky.

That's a recipe for severe weather.

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement alerting area residents for the risk of strong to severe thunderstorms today.

Some of these storms are predicted to produce damaging wind, hail, lightning and heavy rain.

These storms are expected to develop between 1 and4 p.m. Towns along the Mass Pike are expected to be in the zone.

"That hazy sunshine will boost temps up into the low 80s by early to mid afternoon across much of the region," WHDH meteorologist Jeremy Reiner said on his blog. "At the same time a cool front will begin dropping out of Maine (backdoor front) which will quickly send temps from the 70s/80s down into the 50s/60s by late afternoon & evening. Also, when this front rams into the warmth & humidity it will spark a few showers & thunderstorms during the afternoon."

Residents with outdoor plans today are advised to have a safe place to go if storms approach.