Local meteorologists are warning of a very active Thursday, with the risk for severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, and torrential rain that could spark flash flooding.

Also, brief tornadoes cannot be ruled out on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

This severe weather comes as oppressive heat and humidity arrives in Massachusetts.

“Main risks: Damaging wind gusts; Heavy downpours — may lead to flash flooding; Brief tornadoes possible,” the National Weather Service’s Boston office tweeted Thursday morning. “Stay tuned & have a way to receive weather info!”

This set-up for severe thunderstorms is not commonly seen in southern New England.

With the ground already very saturated from all the recent rain, heavy rain on Thursday could lead to flash flooding. Also, trees could be toppled from strong wind gusts.

“To emphasize: this is a severe weather setting which is uncommonly experienced in Southern New England, and the potential for brief tornadoes and straight-line wind damage is a credible risk in environments like this one,” the National Weather Service’s forecast discussion reads.

“If you do have plans outdoors, it’s vital to keep an eye to the sky and to have multiple ways to receive later statements, and that’s especially true in western interior sections of MA and CT where the greatest potential for severe weather exists,” the National Weather Service added.

Also on Thursday, there’s a risk for high surf and rip currents on south-facing beaches as many people head to the beach amid the hot weather.