The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted most of the region for a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon, with the best chance for storms between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Highs are expected to reach the low to mid-70s before the storms roll through.
The level 1 out of 5 risk covers all of the region except parts of southern Vermont, beginning around Manchester, Londonderry and Springfield and extending north from there. Southern Vermont could still see thunderstorms, but they are not likely to be strong or severe.
If storms do become strong or severe, the main concern is strong winds, with isolated batches of small hail also possible. The flood threat is very low, though thunderstorm downpours could still cause ponding on roadways or in low-lying areas.
The setup matters most Tuesday because the severe weather window is narrow and concentrated in the afternoon and early evening. That means the region has a limited period when conditions could worsen quickly, even though most places are not facing a high-end threat.
For people across the area, the practical forecast is simple: keep an eye on the sky between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday, and be ready for brief bursts of rough weather rather than a widespread flooding event. The threat is not major, but it is real enough to disrupt travel and outdoor plans for a few hours.