Forecast: More Afternoon Storms May Hit Area; Weekend Is Much Cooler

As is typical in the summer, some saw a heavy thunderstorm on Tuesday afternoon or evening before cooler air arrived overnight.

Some of the storms even brought embedded hail, but there was nothing too large. Today, we again face the risk of pop-up storms.

The possible storms are not likely to be severe, but they could bring some small hail. Hail under an inch in diameter is not considered to be part of a severe storm, so you could see hail today without any severe thunderstorm warning.

While there could also be some gusty winds during any afternoon storms, I don’t expect the winds to reach severe and damaging levels either.

The reason for the additional storms today is a combination of a strong jet stream passing over our area, combined with a pool of very cold air. In the summer when it’s cold aloft, it helps ignite big cumulus clouds which can build into larger cumulonimbus ones under the proper conditions.

After the sun sets this evening, the threat of storms will disappear and skies will clear. I am expecting a much cooler pattern the rest of the week with highs only in the 60s to near 70 for the next couple of days.

Showers are in the forecast again on Sunday, but not all day. Saturday will end up the drier and better of the two weekend days.

After yesterday’s 80-plus degree weather I now don’t see any above-average temperatures for a while.  It will be great for sleeping, so enjoy!

You can follow David's weather updates on Twitter at @growingwisdom.

Today: Partly sunny with a pop-up shower or thunderstorm. Some storms may be strong with hail. Much cooler. Highs near 70.

Tonight: Clearing and cooler. Lows 47-54.

Thursday and Friday: A blend of clouds and sunshine. Highs 67-72.

Saturday: Partly sunny and seasonable. Highs 70-75.

Sunday: Clouds and sunshine, a few showers.  Highs near 70.