The remnants of Tropical Storm Francine are set to bring much-needed rain to the region starting this afternoon and continuing through Saturday. Rainfall totals are expected to vary, with areas near Interstate 64 in southern Illinois and southwest Indiana seeing around 1.5 inches, and the southern border of western Kentucky receiving up to 3.5 inches. The Vincennes area could see up to an inch of rain by Saturday.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Report, the entire southern half of Indiana and all of the eastern edge of the state is in a Moderate Drought.
NWS forecast released Thursday morning:
Today
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. East wind 3 to 8 mph.
Tonight
A 50 percent chance of showers after 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 65. East wind 8 to 10 mph. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2pm, then showers between 2pm and 5pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. High near 80. East southeast wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday Night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. East wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am, then showers likely between 8am and 11am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. East southeast wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.