Heavy rain, possible flooding projected through weekend

Early Saturday expected to be muggy, dry.

Heavy rain this weekend in the Miami Valley is expected to bring flash flooding — and provide a possible dent in the drought conditions.

On the heels of a Heat Advisory Friday afternoon, the entire Miami Valley is under a Flash Flood Watch until 8 p.m. Sunday.

Widespread showers and storms will bring heavy rainfall that could lead to flood issues. Rain totals could range from one-to-three inches by the end of the weekend, according to Storm Center 7 Meteorologist Kirstie Zontini.

“This weekend a cold front will move into the Miami Valley, bringing with it showers and thunderstorms,” Storm Center 7 Meteorologist Brett Collar said. “Out ahead of that front, a large amount of moisture will be pumped into the Miami Valley. This means that the storms will have plenty of moisture to tap into.”

Today will be a very muggy day, with some dry time around lunch expected. But scattered showers and storms will develop late in the day and into the night.

Activity will be more widespread, but very heavy rainfall will keep the threat of flash flooding around. Strong wind gusts also are possible. Another round of storms are possible overnight that will mean the flooding threat will continue.

“Flash flooding will be a concern this weekend,” Collar said. “With the dry spell that we’ve had, the ground is very dry. So any rain that falls, especially heavy downpours, could lead to flooding.”

On Sunday, much needed rainfall will continue, with another wave of moisture bringing more scattered downpours and storms. The air mass will stay very moist, so flash flooding will again remain the main threat for the day.

There could be a lull Sunday night. Highs will be in the low 80s on Sunday.

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