Forecast: Awaiting Warmer Air, Higher Humidity

Temperatures, humidity, rain chances to gradually rise

For June, it's hard to beat the temperatures (highs in the upper 70s to near 80) and low humidity (dewpoints in the 50s) today and tomorrow, even if a shower or thunderstorm can't be ruled out. But alas, this is June, which means warmer temperatures, increased humidity, and greater chances for showers and storms can't be far behind.

TODAY (THURSDAY)

Mostly to partly sunny. P.M. shower/storm? Upper 70s. The day will start off with plenty of sunshine and cool temperatures, eventually rising to highs in the upper 70s with low humidity. Instability created by relatively cool air aloft will likely lead to an increase in puffy cumulus clouds in the afternoon, but it should still remain at least partly sunny. A scattered shower or thunderstorm is possible during the late afternoon, but many places will probably stay dry.

Tonight, partly cloudy skies with an isolated shower possible early. Overnight lows will range from 60-65.

Keep reading for the forecast through the weekend into early next week.

TOMORROW (FRIDAY)

Mostly sunny & pleasant. Near 80. Plan for similar conditions on Friday with at least 50% sunshine and continued low humidity. Afternoon highs will probably peak within a couple of degrees of 80 area wide. The day should be dry for the most part, with just a slight chance of an afternoon shower.

Mostly clear and comfortable Friday night, with little or no chance of precipitation and overnight lows in the low to mid 60s.

A LOOK AHEAD

A shift in the atmospheric pattern aloft will allow for increased heat and humidity levels on Saturday, but nothing unusual for this time of year. I expect a blend of clouds and sun with highs in the mid 80s along with scattered afternoon or evening thundershowers. A few showers are possible Saturday night as overnight lows drop to 65-70. Confidence: Medium

Sunday will likely feature more clouds than sun along with afternoon highs in the low to mid 80s. Thunderstorms -- potentially heavy and gusty in some places -- will probably make an appearance during the afternoon or early evening hours, and may linger Sunday night with lows in the mid to upper 60s. Confidence: Medium

At the moment, it appears as though similar conditions may linger into Monday, with more clouds than sun and scattered thunderstorms possible. Highs again look to be in the low to mid 80s. Confidence: Medium