Expect cloudy but dry weather this weekend

Rain looks unlikely for most this weekend, Storm Center 7 Meteorologist Jamie Simpson said Friday night.

The focus of the rain likely will be north of U.S. 36 and occur during the window of 5 a.m. through 9 a.m., Simpson said. After that, expect a dry day.

"In fact, clouds giving way to more sun in the afternoon will make for a nice second half of the day with highs in the upper 60s to around 70. Some clouds will linger tomorrow night with the chance for another passing, light shower just before sunrise Sunday," Simpson said.

Sunday has a good chance of staying dry all day throughout the region, he said. It will be partly sunny with highs in the upper 60s. Clouds thicken again Sunday night with more showers possible by sunrise Monday.

Taking note of national weather and possible influences locally, there is the threat Saturday of a tornado outbreak from north Texas through Oklahoma and southern Kansas, Simpson said. Sunday, the threat of rowdy spring weather extends from the region of Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas through Missouri, then into the Tennessee Valley on Monday.

Locally, the good news with next week's rain is that it should eliminate a lot of the tree pollen that has been so high as of late, Simpson said, noting that moving the lawn this weekend would be wise.

Monday, it will be mostly cloudy with showers and the chance for afternoon thunderstorms. Morning lows will be in the upper 40s to about 50 for areas south, with afternoon highs in the mid-60s with some spots reaching the upper 60s.Tuesday appears to be the wettest day next week with rainfall totals of more than an inch likely for some.

"There will also be more thunderstorms Tuesday, and although the risk for severe storms mainly should stay south of the area, that is something we will need to watch for," Simpson said.

Rain, including some heavier downpours, will be possible at any time throughout the day. Morning temperatures will start in the mid-50s and climb to the lower 70s in the afternoon.

After a front passes through Wednesday morning, the chance for thunderstorms will decrease. Overall, Wednesday does not look to be as wet as Monday and Tuesday. Afternoon highs will be near 70.

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