Rain, scattered storms possible in Lehigh Valley this weekend

Rain is set to return to the Lehigh Valley this weekend after a stretch of sunny weather.

The National Weather Service said there is a 70% chance of rain and storms Saturday, followed by an 80% chance Sunday.

The likelihood of showers increases during the day into the night Saturday. Additional showers and thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon and evening Sunday. Storms could bring locally heavy rain.

Forecasters said there is a marginal risk for severe weather both days.

The weather service said the weekend isn’t going to be a “washout” and that the greatest showers and thunderstorms should be mostly in the afternoon and evening of both days.

This weekend’s expected rainfall follows several days of rain last week. Rain, including the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby, came to the area last Tuesday through Friday. Nearly 3 inches of rain have fallen in the Lehigh Valley this month, according to weather service data.

There is a possibility of more storms and showers Monday. Tuesday should be clear.

Here is the extended forecast from the National Weather Service:

Saturday: Scattered showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11 a.m. High near 81. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Sunday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 2 a.m., then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Monday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 82. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Monday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then scattered showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 77.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 79.