Meteorologist Brent McGrady

Here are this morning’s submissions from Bright Spot, sponsored by Gary Rome Hyundai. The last one is a very special submission of course. 🙂

A bright and sunny day across the region this afternoon with temperatures well into the 80’s, approaching 90° in some spots…a great day for the pool or the lake!

Make sure you apply the sunscreen, you can catch a quick burn today as the UV index is very high.

I’m covering the weather today!

Tune in for your forecast at 7 and 9 AM this morning on Western Mass News.

🥵Turning Hot and More Humid to End the Week with Storm Chances

An increasingly hot and humid air mass will continue to build across the Northeast through late week with chances of late day showers and thunderstorms as well.

⚠️We have declared Thursday and Friday as First Alert Weather Days due to the heat and humidity which will lead to feels-like temperatures between 95-105°F. Prolonged exposure to this weather could cause heat related illnesses.

Cooler and more seasonable air looks to return into next week. Stay tuned to Western Mass News for the latest updates to the forecast.

⚠️ FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAY ⚠️

Strong thunderstorms are possible on Saturday afternoon and evening. Here's what you need to know:

🕐 TIMING: 4 PM - Midnight Saturday
⛈️ WHAT TO EXPECT: Strong thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts
💨 IMPACTS: Downed trees and power outages possible

Here's what you should do:
✅ Charge your phones and devices NOW
✅ Have flashlights and batteries ready
✅ Secure outdoor items (trash cans, patio furniture)
✅ Keep pets indoors
✅ Avoid travel during the peak storm window (4 PM - 10 PM)

Stay with First Alert Weather for live updates. We'll be tracking this system closely and will keep you informed every step of the way.

🌪️ 15 YEARS AGO TODAY 🌪️

On June 1, 2011, an EF-3 tornado changed our community forever.

In just over an hour, the tornado traveled 38 miles—touching down in Westfield at 4:17 PM and lifting northeast of Southbridge at 5:27 PM. The damage was devastating: 1,400 homes damaged or destroyed, 78 businesses impacted, and 200+ people injured. Three lives were lost.

But we remember not just the destruction—we remember the resilience, compassion, and strength of our neighbors who came together to rebuild.

Where were you on June 1, 2011? Do you have a memory of that day—how you stayed safe, how your community helped, or how you've recovered? Share your story in the comments below. Let's honor those affected and celebrate how far we've come together.

Thank you to all the first responders, volunteers, and neighbors who showed what community truly means. 🙏

Stay weather-ready. Stay First Alert.

🚨First Alert: Unsettled Weather Returns into the Weekend

⏱️In timely fashion, an unsettled and cool weather pattern will briefly return into the upcoming weekend. A potent system will track out of Canada and across western Mass bringing spotty showers and cool conditions with gusty winds into Saturday. Temperatures will struggle to get out of the 50’s, creating more of a March feel.

🌤️Conditions will drastically improve into Sunday, just in time to salvage the weekend with some sun returning and temperatures rebounding into the 70’s, more normal for May in New England.

🌧️5 PM Saturday Memorial Day Weekend

Rain continues to progress north and east into western Mass late this afternoon. Rain will continue to advance and fall at varying rates of intensity through Sunday, putting quite a damper on the holiday weekend.

🥶It will remain quite cool and raw for late May with temperatures stuck in the 50’s!

🇺🇸Memorial Day Weekend Forecast!

It will not be an ideal holiday weekend forecast by any means for western Mass, but not all hope is lost. Cool and unsettled conditions can be expected for some of the weekend, so keep the umbrella nearby. ☂️

⛅️Saturday is mostly dry but also cloudy with temperatures in the mid 60’s. Rain arrives late in the day and into Saturday night.

🌧️Sunday looks to be the most unsettled day with periods of rain and cool conditions as temperatures will remain stuck in the 50’s.

🌤️Things improve on Memorial Day as it looks mainly dry with a spotty shower possible and temperatures nearing 70° by the afternoon with more sunshine.

Stay tuned to Western Mass News for the latest First Alert forecast. ⚠️

🥵Today will be a SCORCHER!

It remains a First Alert Weather Day due to extreme heat. A Heat Advisory will be in effect for the valley areas of Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties through Wednesday. ⚠️

High temperatures in the mid to upper 90’s can be expected this afternoon with heat index values possibly approaching 100°!

🧊Stay cool and take your time if you have to be outside with frequent breaks and plenty of hydration! 🥤