Showers and storms later today...

Several factors are lining up to give our region a healthy coverage of showers and storms today. Not everybody will see rain, but I do anticipate scattered to numerous showers and storms to fire this afternoon into this evening.

Damaging winds will be possible with the storms, as well as some small hail. And any thunderstorms will be capable of producing prolific lightning. Please be aware that if you are close enough to a storm to hear thunder, then you are close enough to it to be struck by lightning. Some locally heavy rain could occur in some spots as well.

Tomorrow, I still expect some scattered showers and storms to fire around the region. Highs today and tomorrow will be in the 80s.

The rain chances will decrease as we get deeper into the holiday weekend. While the rain chances are not zero, I think many spots will get away with dry conditions Sunday and Memorial Day.

The next system will bring in shower and storm chances Tuesday into Wednesday.

If you are heading to the coast this weekend, Saturday will feature scattered showers and storms, but rain chances overall look pretty low Sunday and Memorial Day. Up in the mountains, same general idea...Saturday will be the day with the highest shower and storm chance.

I want to take a moment and thank all of the service men and women who have bravely served our country through the years. We enjoy the freedom we have today because of their sacrifice, and I thank you.

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.