Thunderstorms, Wind, Hail Predicted for Lehigh Valley

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for today, calling for severe thunderstorms, gusty winds and hail throughout the Lehigh Valley.

The bulk of the intense weather is predicted for this afternoon and evening.

The forecast:

• Today: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m. Some storms could produce small hail, gusty winds, heavy rain and frequent lightning. Before 3 p.m., expect partly sunny skies with a high near 96. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
• Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 10 p.m. Some storms could produce small hail, gusty winds, heavy rain and frequent lightning. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. West wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch. Except higher amounts with thunderstorms.
• Friday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. West wind around 6 mph, becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.