Bay Staters were being warned of severe storms as the brutal heat wave continues today.

Scattered thunderstorms were expected to develop this afternoon and evening across parts of Massachusetts.

A few of the storms could become severe and produce locally damaging wind gusts, the National Weather Service warned. Also, any thunderstorm may spark torrential rainfall, resulting in localized flooding.

“A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont until 8 PM EDT,” the National Weather Service posted.

The scattered wind gusts could get up to 70 mph.

Frequent lightning was also possible, along with quarter-size hail.

Thursday was expected to be the final day of the brutal heat wave for the region.

A backdoor cold front should move in from the northeast to southwest on Friday, breaking the heat. Temps in the Boston-area will be in the low 80s. Humidity won’t be as oppressive, but still elevated with dewpoints in the 60s.