After a relatively quiet week, thunderstorm chances will increase today with an initial round of showers and thunderstorms this morning, and another round of strong storms possible later this afternoon. This active pattern continues through the weekend with strong to severe storms possible Saturday and again on Sunday for portions of the forecast area. Primary hazards will consist of frequent lightning, hail, and strong to damaging winds. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Breezy, with a south wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 7 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest 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 Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South southwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.