Massachusetts Weather Forecast: Statewide Flood Watch, Possible Thunderstorms

Keeping up with the gloomy theme of weeks past, rain has moved in across Massachusetts Thursday morning. Rainfall is only expected to intensify throughout the day, and the National Weather Service has called for a statewide flood watch. Forecasters are also warning of possible thunderstorms.

The threat is low for severe weather, but heavy wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour and localized flooding could present problems. Find your local Patch and subscribe for more news and weather alerts.

The NWS says between 0.75 and 1.5 inches of rainfall is expected by Thursday night, with the heaviest rain expected between 1-8 p.m. The Red Sox, with first pitch originally slated for 1:35, suffered their first rainout of the season against Pittsburgh. Want a simple, fun way to keep up on the Red Sox this season? Subscribe to Fenway Patch.

The rain moved in early this morning from the west. Here's a look at the radar:

The evening commute won't be a pleasant one. In addition to the heaviest rain expected at that time, embedded thunderstorms are likely in the afternoon and early evening.

There is a coastal flood statement with an eye toward tonight's high tide. South coastal Mass. is particularly at risk. Some rivers, the NWS says, could take until Friday to flood.

Here's a look at what areas are expected to get the most rain by tonight.

Just hold on a bit longer. Sunday's weather look as if it may be the turning point for a great week.