North Escambia sees Friday highs near 81 before weekend rain

Residents in the North Escambia area can expect warm, mostly dry conditions today before rain arrives over the weekend.

Forecasters predict a high of 81 degrees Fahrenheit today with partly sunny skies and east winds blowing 5 to 10 mph. Temperatures will dip to 64 degrees tonight under mostly cloudy conditions.

The weather pattern shifts Saturday afternoon. A 30 percent chance of showers begins around 1 pm, followed by a chance of thunderstorms after 4 pm. Highs will hold near 81 degrees. Saturday night brings a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with lows near 65 degrees.

Rain becomes likely on Sunday. The 60 percent chance of precipitation comes with showers and possible thunderstorms. Highs will fall to 76 degrees. East winds will strengthen to 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching 20 mph.

Temperatures will cool into early next week. Monday will feature partly sunny skies and a high of 78 degrees. Wind speeds will remain elevated at 10 to 15 mph. Lows will sit around 61 degrees on both Monday and Tuesday nights.

A brief dry spell may occur Tuesday, with a 20 percent chance of showers after 1 pm and a high of 79 degrees. Rain returns Wednesday with a 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs will drop to 77 degrees, and lows will fall to 57 degrees that night.