Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon as a squall line develops ahead of a strong cold front. Damaging winds and frequent lightning are the main hazards; however, some hail is possible. Storms will produce heavy rain, and there may be

localized flooding in areas of poor drainage.

The forecast:

Today: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 3pm, then showers likely. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. High near 71. Southwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 1am. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Breezy, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Thursday Night: A slight chance of snow showers after 1am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 27. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday: A chance of snow showers before noon, then a chance of rain and snow showers between noon and 4pm, then a slight chance of snow showers after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. Northwest wind 5 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 18.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 19.