Downpours Will Continue to Sprinkle Berkshires Over Next Week

Blue skies peek out from between dark clouds Wednesday afternoon.

Do you need an umbrella, or do you need sunglasses? Lately it seems in Berkshire County, you need both every time you leave the house.

As anyone who has grown up in the Berkshires is aware, the county’s climate is prone to violently fluctuate from one extreme to another over the course of the seasons - and even over the course of the day. 

This recent weather pattern has shown that to be true.

Every day this week, sunshine has peeked in and out around heavy downpours, while temperatures have been high and humidity has been oppressive. Will that pattern continue?

According to weather.com, over the next two weeks, the average high temperature will be 81 degrees, and the average dew point will be 71.7 percent. Thunderstorms will also be seen in at least one area of the county nearly every day.

While the weekend is looking fairly pleasant, there's a 50 percent chance of rain every other day for the next week or so.

The good news is that for the foreseeable future, no extremely dangerous weather is set to occur, though the National Weather Service in Albany has expanded the flash flood warning to include the Berkshires through 4 a.m. Thursday, July 26, as a result of heavy rain overnight.

And the usual common sense warnings still apply. When experiencing a thunderstorm, stay indoors and avoid using electronic appliances or using a shower. If you can’t find shelter indoors, find an area away from trees and telephone lines. 

Heat stroke is also something to be aware of. To stay safe, drink plenty of water and find a cooler area immediately if you start to feel faint or dizzy. Make sure to not leave children or pets alone in vehicles on hot days, as they are at a higher risk for fatal heat strokes.

DiLego Jewelry to Close After Nearly 100 Years in Business

By Daniel MatziBerkshires correspondent
05:28AM / Tuesday, May 07, 2024

Sisters Pamela Costine, left, and Cynthia Lamore have been operating the store since their aunts retired in 1987. Both started working in the business as teens.  Lamore's decided it's time to retire. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — DiLego Jewelery Store, the family-owned business that has been a staple of North Adams for nearly a century, will be closing this summer. 

 

The closure was announced on the store's Facebook page late Sunday night, where it immediately drew comments of remembrance and well-wishing.

 

Cindy Lamore, whose great uncle Frank DiLego opened the store on Main Street in the late 1930s, said the shop will cease operations following her retirement, slated for June 30. A 20 percent off Mother's Day sale will begin immediately, with increasing discounts leading up to the closing date.

 

It took Lamore "a couple of years" to reach the decision to close. Witnessing the passing of lifelong friends or their struggles with debilitating illness prompted her to reconsider her priorities, especially considering the extensive time devoted to running a small business. 

 

"You really question what you're waiting for," she reflected.

 

While recognizing that changing consumer habits have led to a decrease in jewelry and watch sales in recent years, Lamore stressed that her decision to close was a personal one. She and her business partner and sister, Pamela Costine, wanted "to do it on our terms," she said.

 

Comments on Facebook praised the store's customer service, and friends, family, and customers alike reminisced about buying jewelry for special occasions, stopping in for watch repairs, and the perennial rite of childhood for many: getting ears pierced.