The National Weather Service has issued a thunderstorm watch for Massachusetts, including Framingham from now until 9 p.m.

There is the possibility of 1.5 inch diameter hail, dangerous lightning and possibility of wind gusts up to 70 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

The severe thunderstorm watch area is for most of Southern New England. A severe thunderstorn watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. A watch can be changed to a warning.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected to increase in intensity this afternoon and may not occur in every area. The risk of these severe storms will diminish as the sun sets.

The National Weather Service indictaed some locations may receive 2 to 3 inches of rain in a short period of time. There may be localized flooding in those areas.

In Massachusetts, the greatest risk of severe weather will be near and south of the Massachusetts Turnpike.