Mild and dry start on Thursday with rain returning by the weekend

Meteorologist Sam Lucey has a look at the week ahead

We’ll stay dry overnight with lows around 71 degrees. An easterly breeze will continue, with occasional gusts up to 25 mph.

Thursday looks like the pick of the week, featuring mostly sunny skies, lower humidity, and comfortable temperatures. Highs will top out near 82 degrees with a steady east wind keeping conditions pleasant along the Gulf Coast. Thursday night remains quiet with partly cloudy skies and lows in the lower 70s.

Rain chances begin increasing again on Friday as moisture returns from the Gulf. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop during the day, with coverage increasing Friday night as a more active weather pattern settles in. Highs Friday will reach the lower 80s despite the increasing cloud cover.

The weekend appears unsettled, with the highest rain chances arriving Saturday. Showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day, and some areas could see periods of heavy rainfall. Rain chances remain elevated Sunday, especially during the morning and early afternoon hours, before becoming more scattered later in the day.

Looking ahead to next week, a typical summertime pattern takes hold with warm temperatures in the upper 80s and daily chances for afternoon showers and thunderstorms. While it won’t be a washout every day, keep the umbrella handy as scattered storms remain possible through midweek.