Severe thunderstorms are threatening to wash out the afternoon and evening for much of New England, including Concord.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 8 p.m. today, July 24, according to the National Weather Service, and Middlesex County is in the path of storms developing in northern New England and threatening to slide to the southeast later today.

According to a special weather statement from the NWS, indications are that storms “may become most numerous” between 5 and 8 p.m. this evening. Severe weather associated with the storms include the possibility of strong to damaging winds, large hail, heavy downpours and frequent lightning.

The latest forecast for Concord calls for a daytime high of 89 to drop down below 60 overnight as a scattered showers and then isolated thunderstorms are possible. Thunderstorms are possible, and could produce small hail and gusty winds, the weather service says.