Severe thunderstorm threat across Boston area, isolated tornado risk in central and western Massachusetts

Severe thunderstorms and downpours moveed through the Boston area Saturday afternoon and there's an isolated tornado risk in central and western Massachusetts.

The WBZ-TV Weather Team has issued a Next Weather Alert for Saturday through 11 p.m.

Air quality alert

Once again, an Air Quality Alert is in effect across Massachusetts due to high concentrations of fine particulates that can be unhealthy to breathe.

By midnight, most of the thicker smoke should have moved along and will not make a reappearance on Sunday. 

Severe storms and tornado threat

As for the rain Saturday, the chance of showers will increase through the afternoon, with the highest risk of storms in the evening. 

Any storms that move through will have the potential for torrential downpours (more than one inch locally), damaging wind gusts, and lightning. 

Even an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, with the highest chances in central and western Massachusetts. Outdoor events should monitor changing conditions throughout the evening. 

Outside of the storm risk, it'll just be a downright windy afternoon. Southwest gusts will increase into the 25- 40 mph range ahead of the front. 

Boston weather radar

You can track the storms on radar all evening here:

By midnight, most of the stormy weather should have moved out, with clearing skies for Sunday. 

It's looking like a beautiful second half of the weekend with mostly sunny skies, no smoke, a fresh breeze, and low humidity. Easily the pick of the weekend.