EVENING: Cloudy, a sprinkle in some areas. Temps in the 70s.

TONIGHT: Scattered showers, low 68.

THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy with stray showers, a period of rain overnight. High 86.

Clouds rolled in quickly Wednesday and temperatures remained in the 70s for most of the day. A couple of sprinkles in spots, but for the most part, no significant rain for most areas on Wednesday.

The middle of the nation is dealing with a big dome of high pressure that is producing 90 degree heat for much of the Plains and Midwest. Showers and thunderstorms are developing on the periphery of this ridge. We remain in the “ring of fire” for the next two days and will increase our chances for showers and storms. However, the timing of the rain may allow many of us to continue with outdoor plans with. Our best chances for rain will occur over the next two nights.

So plan for scattered showers later tonight, then we remain cloudy on Thursday with a stray shower or two. Our best chance for rain arrives Thursday night into early Friday morning. Once again, the remainder of Friday should feature a mix of sun and clouds with a low chance for a passing shower.

The weekend should also remain dry for much of the area. This is a tricky forecast so we will be posting updates regularly.

-Meteorologist Eric Finkenbinder