Stormy Friday AM commute with more t-storms during the afternoon; some strong storms possible

WHAT WE ARE TRACKING: Two periods of showers and thunderstorms will impact the area on Friday, with the first one affecting the morning commute. Some storms may contain brief gusty winds or small hail.

NEXT 24 HRS: Clouds increase tonight as a thunderstorm complex approaches the region from the southwest towards sunrise. Although this complex weakens, a line of strong thunderstorms will push through the area from 6 to 8 AM, producing gusty winds and heavy rainfall. Light rain and some embedded thunderstorms may persist for a few more hours after the line weakens further before a lull in activity occurs around noon. As the front approaches during the afternoon, showers and thunderstorms will once again develop. This activity continues through the early evening hours before the skies clear Friday night. Some of these storms could contain small hail or brief gusty winds. Temperatures will fall into the upper 50s to low 60s tonight before climbing into the 70s Friday afternoon.

LOOKING AHEAD: Mainly dry conditions are expected on Saturday before rain returns on Sunday as a system passes just south of the area, with the surface low tracking towards Chicago. Due to the system's path, areas south of La Crosse are more likely to see steadier rainfall during this period than areas to the north. Dry conditions return Tuesday through Thursday before a series of systems brings small shower and thunderstorm chances Friday through the following weekend. High temperatures (upper 60s to middle 70s) should remain slightly below average (60s) through the Memorial Day weekend. High temperatures will gradually climb back to near 80 degrees by Friday.

​COPYRIGHT 2024 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.