Storms likely (with hail possible); sun is on the way for weekend

Thunderstorms and gusty winds are likely Thursday across the metro-east.

There is a 20 percent chance of rain in the early in the day, according to the National Weather Service. But the likelihood of storms and showers will increase to 60 percent in the afternoon.

Hail is possible around the time of the afternoon rush hour.

The high temperature will reach 73 with winds blowing from the southwest at up to 24 mph.

Scattered showers are likely during the evening, finally clearing up by about 10 p.m. The overnight low will be 52.

The weather will take a dramatic turn for the better Friday and through the weekend.

Skies will be mostly sunny Friday with a high of 71.

A few clouds will move into the area Friday night, when the low will be 47. But no precipitation is expected.

It will be sunny Saturday with a high of 72.

Saturday night, it will be mostly clear with a high of 54.

The high will reach 80 Sunday under sunny skies.

The next opportunity for rain comes Sunday night, when there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. The low will be 61.

Click here for the detailed local forecast.

This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 6:24 AM with the headline "Storms likely (with hail possible); sun is on the way for weekend."