Don’t put the umbrella away just yet— rain is not entirely out of the forecast, but, by Thursday skies are expected to clear to usher in a sun-filled holiday day weekend with only a slight chance of rain.
A 40 percent chance of rain exists through Wednesday afternoon and into the night.
By Thursday a ridge moving into Southeast Texas will begin to dry the Port Arthur area out, with only a 10 percent chance of rain staying in the forecast until Friday.
The drier pattern will result in warmer temperatures, around 92 or 93, with a heat index reaching a sweltering 103 to 105, Andy Tingler, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said Tuesday.
Rain chances increase slightly on Saturday, the Fourth of July, with a 30 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon.
“There won’t be a washout, and if you do get a thunderstorm it should last only a little while,” Tingler said.
Saturday’s high will reach bout 91, with the heat index climbing to 100.
Sunday’s forecast will be much the same as Saturday, Tingler said.
Sunny skies return Monday with a high near 90.
“Once we get past Wednesday, it will be pretty good outside except for the heat,” Tingler said.
Those celebrating outside should remember to drink plenty of water and fluids, Tingler said.
E-mail: sherry.koonce@panews.com
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