Thursday starts mostly cloudy and warm, with temperatures near 69 early and a muggy feel already in place across the Riverbend. A light east-southeast breeze is keeping the air moving for now, but the heat will build quickly through the morning.
By afternoon, highs climb to about 95 with a southwest wind around 15 mph and gusts up to 37 mph. It will feel closer to 101 at the hottest part of the day. Skies will turn partly sunny, and the atmosphere will become more unstable as the day goes on. There is a 55% chance of rain, with the main threat arriving later in the afternoon as thunderstorms develop. Some storms could be strong, with flooding downpours, hail, damaging wind gusts and even an isolated tornado possible.
This evening brings the greatest storm risk, with an 86% chance of rain and thunderstorms. A heavy thunderstorm is possible early in the evening before conditions gradually settle later tonight. Overnight stays mostly cloudy and humid, with temperatures falling to around 63 by daybreak Friday and winds easing back to around 8 mph.
The allergy index is mixed today. Tree pollen is high, while grass pollen is moderate. Mold and ragweed levels are low.
Friday looks much more comfortable, with a high near 84 and a low around 65. Expect mostly sunny skies, lower humidity and just a slight chance of rain.
Get the latest updates on weather conditions here: RiverBender.com/weather.
