Some much-needed rainfall has arrived in the Boston area, with widespread downpours expected throughout the day Thursday and a flash flood warning issued for parts of Massachusetts.

Widespread downpours on Thursday

Late Wednesday night through Thursday, tropical moisture began surging back north and with it will come the most widespread downpours and areas of thunder. 

This round could produce a total of 1-3" in spots, delivering a good soaking. It appears the higher end amounts will be more likely toward interior Massachusetts up through New Hampshire and Vermont, with the lower end totals toward southeastern Massachusetts. 

Flash flood warning

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for parts of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. The warning goes until 1:15 p.m. for central Bristol County and southwestern Plymouth County in Massachusetts, as well as Bristol County and Newport County in Rhode Island.

Massachusetts towns that could see flash flooding include Fall River, Taunton, Dartmouth, Newport, Bristol and Somerset. 

Small creeks and streams could flood, as well as streets, highways and underpasses with poor drainage, the agency said.

You can also expect very humid air to surge back on Thursday, with dewpoints well into the 60s and perhaps even reaching 70 degrees. Definitely not the crisp air we've gotten used to through much of September. 

Warm weekend

A drying trend will move in on Friday behind the rain with a warm stretch through the weekend. 

Highs will top out near 80F Friday through Monday for many towns away from the immediate coastline.