What the WINK Weather Authority is seeing for your holiday weekend

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (WINK) — WINK News Weather Authority meteorologists are tracking a wetter pattern as storms continue through your Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Thursday

We're off to a dry and mild start Thursday morning with temperatures in the 70s. While a few storms may develop around midday, rain chances increase through the afternoon and evening with scattered storms (60% coverage) expected across Southwest Florida. Heavy rain, gusty winds and frequent lightning remain the primary concerns. Clouds and rain will help keep afternoon highs a bit lower, reaching the lower to mid 90s.

Friday

Most of Southwest Florida will begin Friday dry, although a stray coastal shower can't be ruled out as an onshore breeze develops. Scattered afternoon and evening storms (60% coverage) return, bringing the threat for heavy rain, gusty winds and frequent lightning. High temperatures climb into the lower to mid 90s.

Saturday (Fourth of July)

Happy Fourth of July! If you're making outdoor plans, be prepared for showers and thunderstorms at times throughout the day. A few coastal showers and storms (20% coverage) will be possible during the morning before rain becomes more widespread by midday and through the afternoon (70% coverage). Highs will reach the lower 90s with heat index values between 97° and 102°.

The good news? Conditions are expected to trend drier by fireworks time Saturday evening, although a stray shower can't be completely ruled out.

WINK News Weather Authority meteorologists will be breaking down the hour-by-hour forecast for your Fourth of July plans. Tune in to WINK News and the WINK News app for the latest forecast updates.