 While much of the northern New England states will escape the wet weather today with a mix of clouds and sunshine around Boston and Portland, a straight afternoon thunderstorm can sneak into parts of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Another area of stormy weather will be found across the northern plains where a cold front will be moving through the area. This can help set off afternoon thunderstorms across the Dakotas and Nebraska east into Minnesota and Iowa. Brief downpours and gusty winds can accompany these storms.