Thunderstorms, Heavy Rain to Close the Weekend in Connecticut

It looks like the rain will fall a bit earlier in Connecticut on Sunday than originally expected.

Already some raindrops have fallen in parts of the state Sunday and steadier showers and thunderstorms are likely later this evening.

Already a "Hazardous Weather Outlook" has been issued for Hartford and Tolland counties for possibly strong thunderstorms tonight, heavy rain and even flooding concerns. Gusty winds could also be a concern.

The state, which is in the midst of drought conditions, should see up to an inch of rain by early Monday.

Here are the latest details from the National Weather Service:

Southern Connecticut:

This afternoon: A 30-40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Southeast wind 11 to 13 mph.

This evening: Showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between midnight and 2 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 68. South wind 7 to 9 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Northwest wind 11 to 15 mph.

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Northern Connecticut:

This afternoon: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. South wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m, then a slight chance of showers between 2am and 3am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Patchy fog after 11 p.m. Low around 65. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Monday: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 80. Northwest wind 7 to 10 mph.

Photo credit: Accuweather.com