Steamy weather may generate afternoon thunderstorms in greater Boston, National Weather Service says

By Lauren Dezenski, Globe Correspondent

Storms have begun popping up in the western part of the state, with conditions ripe for strong to severe thunderstorms in the greater Boston area, but not in southeastern Massachusetts, the National Weather Service said this afternoon.

Beginning this afternoon, these storms are expected to bring heavy rainfall and urban flooding, with damaging winds and hail possible, forecasters said. The storms will wind down once the sun sets as the atmosphere cools, though scattered showers will likely linger.

Cape Cod and the islands will likely see another round of rain just after midnight.

Don’t expect today’s humidity or fog to go away overnight either — both will persist into Saturday morning, forecasters said.

After last night’s rain, Boston is now in the midst of its third wettest June on record, having received more than 10 inches of rain so far this month, according to the National Weather Service.

As of midnight Friday, Boston Logan International Airport reported 9.87 inches of precipitation. After this morning’s round of rain, the Hub received another .45 inches — seizing the number three spot for wettest June, breaking the previous record of 10.09 inches set in 2006.

Though there will be a break in the middle of the day, the rain is going to continue today. This morning’s showers will likely re-develop in the afternoon today with stronger storms popping up where the sun breaks through the clouds, allowing the atmosphere to heat up, meteorologist Charlie Foley said.

“That should trigger additional heavy and unwanted rain,” Foley said.

Once the sun sets, showers will linger, though the greater Boston area should be clear of any strong storms. Temperatures today will max out at the high 70s, the weather service says.

Things won’t change much this weekend—the Bermuda High will stay stalled over the region, continuing to propel muggy, moist air into southern New England through at least the middle of next week, Foley said.

Highs are expected to remain in the 80s, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day Saturday through Tuesday.