The National Weather Service reports that considerable cloudiness will develop today, ushering in warmer-than-normal temperatures across the region. Highs are forecast to reach the mid 80s, approaching record-setting warmth for this time of year.
Rain is almost certain to arrive tonight into Thursday, with average storm totals expected between a quarter to three-quarters of an inch. While the greatest threat for strong or potentially severe storms may shift eastward, a marginal risk remains for Thursday afternoon and evening.
After a brief recovery period, Friday is expected to be extremely warm, with record high temperatures in the upper 80s consistently forecast. There is even a slight possibility that some locations could reach 90 degrees, which would mark the earliest occurrence on record.
The next significant chance for rain and potential strong to severe storms will come with a system moving through on Saturday. Additional rainfall could total between a quarter and half an inch.
Following this system, temperatures are expected to cool significantly, returning to more seasonal mid-April highs and lows as the new week begins. Rainfall from the two main rounds of storms this week could range from half an inch to over an inch, providing much-needed relief for dry ground conditions.