WEATHER ALERT: Heavy Rain, Possible Thunderstorms

Written by BRIAN MCCREADY (Patch Staff)

It’s been relatively dry recently -- again -- but Mother Nature changes that today with a very wet forecast that may even include some thunderstorms this evening.

The National Weather Service says showers will develop during the day Thursday in Westchester County, and will grow heavy at times during the afternoon and evening commute.

It’s a forecast that others are echoing.

“A strong cold front is heading toward the Hudson Valley on Thursday, and ahead of it, temperatures will spike into the low and mid 60s… and showers will break out during the mid and late morning hours,” writes Bill Potter of Hudson Valley Weather, adding that showers will mostly be light and somewhat scattered during the morning. “As the front gets closer, areas of steadier… heavier rain should begin to enter the Hudson Valley during the mid afternoon hours. By late afternoon and evening… much of the Hudson Valley could be seeing a steady rain.”

The rain is expected to end in the region by the morning commute on Friday.

Weekend forecast

Friday is looking much better with a return of sun and temperatures in the mid 50s.

Saturday and Sunday are also very seasonal weather days with temps in the upper 40s and mostly sunny skies.

Patch Editor Alfred Branch contributed to this report.

Photo credit: Steven Bowler via Flickr.com