Weather forecast for Massachusetts on Wednesday, July 3
A severe thunderstorm watch is currently in effect across most of Massachusetts through 10:00 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, July 3, as reported by the National Weather Service. This alert includes a wide portion of New England, spanning Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
According to meteorologists, strong to severe thunderstorms may bring frequent lightning, damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, and hail up to 2 inches in diameter. The only region in the state not included in the watch is parts of Cape Cod, which are expected to remain outside the storm zone.
The highest risk area is forecast for the interior of New England, with a Level 2 “slight risk” classification issued by the Storm Prediction Center. That means scattered severe storms are possible, but not widespread.
What to expect after the storms
As these powerful storms pass through by late Thursday, a significantly more pleasant weather pattern is expected to settle in just in time for Independence Day celebrations. The airmass arriving late Thursday night will be drier, cooler, and less humid, creating ideal conditions for outdoor festivities on Friday, July 4.
Temperatures across Massachusetts on Friday and Saturday will be in the low to mid 80s (upper 20s °C), under sunny skies and with reduced humidity. By Sunday, thermometers may climb to the low 90s (around 33 °C) in some inland areas.
Weather concerns for fireworks on July 3
While many towns have scheduled fireworks shows for Wednesday evening, the storm timing may disrupt or postpone events, especially in areas where storms are expected to peak between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Here are some of the Massachusetts communities planning fireworks displays tonight, July 3, weather permitting:
Andover will host fireworks at Andover High School, 80 Shawsheen Rd, at 9:20 p.m.
Attleboro‘s display is set for Hayward Field, 73 North Ave, beginning at 9:00 p.m.
Fitchburg plans a show at 46 Pratt Rd at 9:30 p.m.
Freetown will hold its celebration at the Assonet Burial Grounds at 9:00 p.m.
Gloucester has fireworks scheduled at Stage Fort Park, 1 Hough Ave, at 9:30 p.m.
Hadley‘s event at 300 Stadium Drive is set for 9:15 p.m.
Lynn plans to launch fireworks from a barge near Red Rock, 76 Marine Blvd, at 9:00 p.m.
Mashpee will host their show on a golf course at 130 Willowbend Dr at 9:15 p.m.
Mattapoisett will fire from a driving range at 63 County Rd at 9:00 p.m.
Needham is planning fireworks at Needham High School, 609 Webster St, at 9:30 p.m.
New Bedford has a barge show in New Bedford Harbor scheduled for 9:00 p.m.
Pittsfield‘s event at Camp Winadu, 700 Churchill St, will begin at 9:00 p.m.
Randolph will hold its show at Randolph High School, 70 Memorial Pkwy, at 9:30 p.m.
Rutland plans fireworks behind Marsh Field, 17 Pommogussett Rd, starting at 9:20 p.m.
Sharon will launch fireworks from a barge on Lake Massapoag, 196 Pond St, at 9:30 p.m.
South Deerfield will begin its show at Tree House Brewing, 1 Community Place, at 8:45 p.m.
South Hadley‘s fireworks at 100 Mosier St are scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
Tewksbury will host fireworks at 286 Livingston St at 9:30 p.m.
Walpole will hold its event at Joe Morgan Memorial Field, 220 School St, at 9:30 p.m.
Weymouth will fire from a barge off Wessagusett Beach at 9:15 p.m.
Worcester‘s fireworks at Polar Park Stadium will take place following the baseball game.
Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware this evening, monitor real-time alerts, and check with local officials for updates regarding event cancellations or delays due to changing conditions.
