Warm sunshine, storms return Saturday, clearing, cooler Sunday

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- High pressure will slide off to the east, providing sunshine and a light southeast breeze that will begin a warming trend. Afternoon temperatures will climb back into the mid- to upper 80s, with some high clouds.

Clouds will increase overnight, along with higher humidity. A warm front approaching will trigger a band of showers and storms late tonight. Morning readings will be in the low to mid-70s.

A few rounds of showers and gusty storms will arrive late Friday night and continue Saturday ahead of a cold front.

The Storm Prediction Center has most of the state in a Level 2 out of 5 risk for damaging winds, hail, and an isolated tornado (primarily in eastern Ohio) during the afternoon, depending on breaks in the midday cloud cover to allow for greater heating.

The latter part of the weekend will be cooler and drier, noticeable as the humidity falls by Sunday afternoon in a northwesterly flow of air.

The comfortable air mass will linger into early next week. Warmer conditions return by midweek, with a chance for a few showers and storms on Wednesday.

Forecast

• Friday: Partly cloudy, warmer. High 88
• Tonight: Increasing clouds, showers late. Low 74
• Saturday: Muggy, showers, storms. High 87
• Sunday: Mostly sunny, cooler. High 79 (70)
• Monday: Sunny, pleasant. High 78 (55)
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, warmer. High 88 (59)
• Wednesday: Warm, humid, scattered storms. High 90 (71)
• Independence Day: Partly sunny, storm possible. High 88 (72)