The heat and humidity have been oppressive in Massachusetts lately, but some wet relief is on the way.
Temperatures are also expected to cool down today, Thursday, July 31, according to the National Weather Service branch in Norton, MA.
But when Thursday night rolls around, heavy rain is expected in the Bay State, and it will last until Friday, reports say.
With the rain comes the danger of flash floods, so it's best to be cautious if you're out there driving.
Here's what to know about the coming weather.
What's the forecast for Thursday, July 31 and Friday, Aug. 1?
The National Weather Service's online forecaster's discussion states, "Thursday morning should be mostly dry outside of a few widely scattered showers. Should be a much cooler day than what we've seen over the last several days with highs struggling into the upper 60s and lower 70s. It will feel cooler with a stiff NE wind, especially at the coast."
"A flash flood risk will exist along a significant portion of the mid-Atlantic region to southern New England into Friday as the front and jet stream dip begin to join together," a release from AccuWeather added. "This joint effort will unleash a swath of heavy rain."
An AccuWeather graphic indicates that Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut are in a region labeled, "frequent downpours" from Thursday into Friday.
The report added that parts of Massachusetts could get up to four inches of rain when all is said and done.
And that's why flash floods could become an issue, according to experts.
“Heavy rainfall can lead to flash flooding in a matter of minutes, especially in areas with hilly terrain, creeks, streams and other flood-prone spots," AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said in a written statement. "Drivers should never attempt to go down a flooded road, even if the water appears to be only a few inches deep. It’s impossible to know how deep the water is, how fast it is moving or if the road or bridge underneath has been compromised or washed out.
"Most flash flooding fatalities involve vehicles and are preventable. Do not put yourself, your passengers, bystanders and emergency responders at risk. It is important that everyone take flash flood watches and warnings seriously, especially after dark."
The rain is expected to move out of the Bay State by Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
The weather entity reported in its forecaster's discussion that, "Rain begins to shift offshore Friday morning as high pressure and dry air works its way south from northern New England."
The discussion added that the "quickest" timing on the rain leaving the area is by noon on Friday, while other weather models show the rain "lingering into the evening commute" on Friday.
The report noted that "Friday will be an anomalously cool day for the first day of August," with high temperatures in the 60s to low 70s.
What's the weather forecast for the weekend?
There's good news when it comes to the weekend.
"The weekend is shaping up to be nearly perfect weather-wise as high pressure builds in from the north, ushering in dry and seasonable conditions with mostly sunny skies," the forecaster's discussion states.
It continues, "High temperatures on Saturday warm into the mid-70s to low 80s with light northerly winds. Dewpoints on Saturday range from the upper 40s inland to mid-50s near the coast, making it feel very comfortable outside. Temperatures warm slightly on Sunday into the low to mid 80s with dewpoints in the mid to upper 50s."
An AccuWeather report online added that temperatures are expected to cool down into the beginning of next week, also noting the humidity won't be as bad as it has in the Bay State as of late.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Heavy downpours, floods expected in MA Thursday, July 31. What to know
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