Widespread rain this weekend: What you need to know about timing, threats and impact

While many are hoping for relief from the region’s moderate drought, the timing of the next storm system could mean a washout for outdoor or early Halloween activities.

An area of low pressure will move through today, bringing deep moisture with it. This will likely bring enough rain to greatly improve or even eliminate drought conditions in the Miami Valley.

>> Wet weekend could threaten peak fall colors

For those with outdoor plans, here is what you need to know:

Timing: Showers will spread from the south through the morning. Activity will be pretty widespread through lunch with a possible break in the early afternoon. More rain and some embedded thunder will be possible toward the end of the day and into the night. Scattered showers before sunrise Sunday will end quickly as the cold front shifts east.

Threats: Rain and wind will be the biggest impacts. Rainfall will likely range between 1 and 2½ inches for most. Isolated higher amounts will be possible. Gusty winds more than 30 mph will ramp up for the evening. The rain should fall steadily so the flood threat will be low. Strong storms can't be ruled out but, at the moment, isn't a high concern.

Temperatures: It will be on the cooler side today with most areas in the 50s for the day.

>>Track the conditions with Live Doppler 7 Radar

What to do: 

Dress accordingly when it comes to costumes that will keep you warm and dry. 
Keep an eye on the interactive radar for any breaks that can develop in the steady showers. 
If you hear thunder, head inside until it has passed.
What about Halloween?  There is still a lot of uncertainty when it comes to whether rain will affect Oct. 31, which is Thursday. This is common when looking at a forecast this far out. Signals are pointing to a cold end to October and early November, but how quickly that air arrives is still in question. If you are preparing to trick-or-treat Thursday or the weekend that follows, it would still be smart to have a warm costume this year. As more comes into focus, we will be the first to update you on air and online.

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