Today's Weather: Sunny start, storm chance late

Thursday starts sunny and cool, with temperatures near 50 early and a light ENE breeze. It will feel a bit milder than the thermometer shows at daybreak, so the morning should be comfortable for anyone heading out early. Skies stay bright through the first half of the day as temperatures climb steadily.

By afternoon, expect mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies with a pleasant high of 74. A southeast wind around 8 mph could gust to about 18 mph at times, but rain chances stay very low through daylight hours. Tree pollen is running high today, while grass, mold and ragweed levels remain low, so allergy-sensitive folks may want to keep that in mind.

During the evening, clouds begin to increase, but the weather should stay quiet for most plans. Temperatures ease back through the 60s after sunset with a light south-southeast breeze.

Overnight, the low settles near 57 as the chance for rain rises late. A thunderstorm is possible toward dawn, with an 88% chance of rain by late night into early Friday. Some storms could produce hail.

Friday looks much warmer, with a high near 84 and a low around 66. Expect periods of rain and a thunderstorm in the morning, followed by mostly cloudy skies, breezy conditions and a very warm afternoon.

Get the latest updates on weather conditions here: RiverBender.com/weather.