UPDATE: Thunderstorms Today, Hot and Humid Later This Week

Editor's note: This article was updated on Monday at 3:25 p.m.

Scattered and possibly severe thunderstorms are expected to pass through Melrose and the surrounding area this afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned, but the afternoon hours might be calmer than originally forecast.

In a hazardous weather outlook statement released on Monday morning, the NWS said the primary threat from any severe thunderstorm will be "strong to damaging straight line wind gusts." There's also a concern about isolated reports of large hail.

"Torrential rainfall is likely with any strong to severe thunderstorm," the NWS statement said. "This could lead to localized urban and poor drainage street flooding, requiring the issuance of localized short-fused urban flood advisories."

On Monday afternoon, the NWS updated its outlook, saying that an extensive area of cloudiness and light rain showers will be moving across southern New England through midafternoon.

"This has so far prevented the atmosphere from becoming overly unstable," the NWS said. "However, skies were beginning to clear in western and central New York state as of 1:30 p.m. This may allow for additional thunderstorm development along and ahead of a cold front later this afternoon."

Stronger winds approaching the region also means there is still potential for strong thunderstorms, especially this evening, the NWS said.

The NWS added that there is a "low probability" of a more significant ioslated flash flood event.

After today's storms, the dangerous weather continues as heat and humidity increase during the latter half of the week, the NWS said.

"Heat index values may exceed 100 degrees, with the best chances on Thursday and Friday," the NWS said. "A heat advisory may be needed for parts of southern New England on these days."