Heavy Rain, Wind To Kick Off Holiday Weekend: NWS

A Hazardous Weather Outlook has been issued for severe storms Saturday. The National Weather Service predicts there could be thunderstorms — some of them severe — this afternoon and evening. Damaging winds and torrential downpours are possible. Flooding in urban and poor drainage areas is possible, the NWS said.

According to forecasters, the greatest risk for severe thunderstorms is between 3 and 10 p.m.

That's the bad news.

While the storms might put a damper on Saturday plans, the good news is the weather will clear up for the rest of the holiday weekend. Forecasters predict Sunday will be clear and hot, with highs in the low 90s. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms Monday night. Forecasters are currently saying there's just a 20 percent chance of rain that night.

The Independence Day forecast looks good as of now. There should be clear skies and highs in the upper 80s, the NWS predicts.

Here is the forecast:

Today :A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10am. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 11pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Light northwest wind becoming west 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. West wind 5 to 7 mph.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. West wind 5 to 11 mph.

Monday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday (July 4): Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.