Philadelphia, New York, Boston Weather: Tornado Watch Issued

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for much of the East Coast, including Philadelphia, New York and Boston.

The watch area stretches from Maine to Pennsylvania and is in effect until 8 p.m. A watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.

The Weather Service says thunderstorms with 70 mph wind gusts and dangerous lightning are possible. There also could be hail measuring about 2 inches in diameter.

The threat of severe weather comes after a stretch of several days of unseasonable heat. Temperatures have soared into the 90s in spots.