Chances for thunderstorms increase heading into the weekend

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Rain and thunderstorms are expected to develop Thursday and continue off and on into the weekend, bringing periods of heavy rainfall and breezy conditions, according to the National Weather Service.

Tonight will be mostly cloudy with a low around 69. South winds will blow at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

On Thursday, scattered showers are expected early, followed by more widespread showers and possible thunderstorms after 1 p.m. The high will be near 84, with south winds around 15 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. Rain chances are 80 percent, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch possible.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely to continue Thursday night, with a low around 66. South-southwest winds will shift lighter after midnight. Rainfall totals between a tenth and a quarter of an inch are expected, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday’s forecast calls for a 30 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m., under partly sunny skies and a high near 83. Light southwest winds will increase to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Rain and thunderstorms are likely again Friday night, with a 70 percent chance of precipitation. The low will be around 63 under mostly cloudy skies, with calm winds after a light northwest breeze. Rainfall totals could again reach between a quarter and half an inch.