Thunderstorms, Rain Move In, Unsettled Weather Dominates Forecast

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT — A line of thunderstorms and heavy rain is moving into southern Connecticut Wednesday morning, and it looks like the unsettled weather will stick around for the next several days.

"We’re expecting some showers, maybe even a thunderstorm this morning," said WFSB 3 TV Chief Meteorologist Mark Dixon with Scot Haney. "This morning round of rain/storms is in association with a warm front progressing across the state from southwest to northeast. In its wake, we’re expecting briefly muggier weather. We’ll likely see partial clearing through the afternoon hours. How much sun we see (in tandem with wind direction) will dictate how high temperatures go.

"We’re forecasting highs 70 or higher west of I-91, 60s toward the RI border. Along the shoreline, there could be quite a spread, too… from near 70 farther west to upper 50s farther east. While many communities likely remain dry, an isolated thunderstorm can’t be ruled out this afternoon," Dixon and Haney added. "There is a low-end risk, if a storm were to develop, to become strong or severe. The threat with any that do materialize will be gusty wind and hail. While the Storm Prediction Center has placed the state under a level 1 or marginal risk for severe weather, our latest guidance is indicating the highest likelihood for development is to our north," Dixon and Haney said.

"Our unsettled weather doesn’t end after today. Another wave of low pressure moves nearby (to our south) Thursday afternoon, renewing the chance for more showers. Furthermore, temps continue trending cooler. Thursday, highs will be in the 60s… by Friday, we’re back in the 50 thanks to a developing onshore flow...Keep the umbrella handy as yet another area of low pressure will continue the chance for scattered showers as we close out the week," Dixon and Haney added.

Mother's Day weekend

"Unfortunately, while Mother’s Day weekend won’t be a washout… it won’t be entirely dry, either. Showers appear at least possible *both* days. Temperatures will remain below average. Saturday, we’re forecasting highs in the lower 60s inland and upper 50s along the shoreline. By Sunday, Mother’s Day, temps will be relatively milder… peaking in the lower 60s," Dixon and Haney said. (Read more at WFSB 3 TV).

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Current travel conditions across southern Connecticut:

NEWTOWN - Delays. I-84 Westbound is congested between Exits 10 and 6 (9.1 miles). Reported Wednesday, May 8 at 8:30 am.

MIDDLETOWN - Crash (2 Vehicle) on I-91 Northbound between Exits 20 and 21. Expect lane closures. Reported Wednesday, May 8 at 8:47 am.

BRIDGEPORT - Delays. I-95 Southbound is congested between Exits 27 and 5 (22.9 miles). Reported Wednesday, May 8 at 6:06 am.

MILFORD - Delays. I-95 Northbound is congested between Exits 40 and 43 (5.0 miles). Reported Wednesday, May 8 at 8:03 am.

NEW HAVEN - Delays. I-95 Southbound is congested between Exits 47 and 43 (2.9 miles). Reported Wednesday, May 8 at 8:05 am.

BRANFORD - Delays. I-95 Southbound is congested between Exits 56 and 54 (3.3 miles). Reported Wednesday, May 8 at 8:07 am.

HADDAM - Route 82 (East Haddam Swing Bridge) CLOSED because of Road Work. Road Work in effect today until Wednesday, May 8 at 11:00 am. Reported Sunday, May 5 at 8:39 pm.

STRATFORD - Delays. RT 15 Southbound is congested between Exits 53 and 33 (28.3 miles). Reported Wednesday, May 8 at 6:08 am.

TRUMBULL - Delays. RT 15 Northbound is congested between Exits 49S and 53 (4.9 miles). Reported Wednesday, May 8 at 8:03 am.

Here are the forecast details for southern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:

Today: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 73. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday: Showers likely, mainly after 2pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 70. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Showers likely, mainly before 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 49. East wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Northeast wind around 9 mph.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 61.

Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 62.