Thunderstorms rolling across state

Shortly after 4 p.m. the weather service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northern Worcester County, northwestern Middlesex County, and southeastern Franklin County, as the service's radar showed a storm rolling from west to east across the northern part of the state. The warning was in effect until 4:45 p.m. Another set of storms was following, still in the western part of the state.

As a cold front passes across southern New England from the eastern Great Lakes area, this morning's partly sunny skies are expected to give way to showers and thunderstorms in greater Boston in the afternoon until about 8 p.m., Thompson said.

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the entire state until 8 p.m.

Some thunderstorms could come with winds gusting up to 70 or 80 miles per hour, Thompson said.

"It looks like most of the damage should be straight-line wind damage, but it could be significant,: he said.

Greater Boston's weather today should be humid with high temperatures in the upper 80s and lows in the mid-60s, according to the weather service. Highs in the lower 80s, lows in the upper 50s, and drier conditions are in store for Friday.

"Tomorrow should feel much less humid," Thompson said.

Showers could return late Saturday afternoon and night but should move out by Sunday morning, Thompson said. High temperatures should sit in the upper 70s on Saturday and the mid-70s on Sunday as the ocean's cool breezes flow through the greater Boston area.