Weather Alert: Rain develops Thursday morning, locally heavy rain possible

It’s been a while since we’ve had a good, soaking rain. Coverage should increase over the next several hours, with locally higher amounts possible.

ST. LOUIS — It’s been incredibly dry over the last few months, and soaking rains have been hard to come by. While it didn’t look like we’d get a widespread, soaking rain just days ago,  those trends have increased this morning.

But the first of two cold fronts looks to move in over the next few hours. Rain coverage will increase over the next several hours. Based on some of the isolated storms so far, it looks like they could be impressive rain producers for a few of us.

Rain is expected to really fill in during a time where more people are on the road as they head to work or school. This is when the coverage and intensity is really expected to increase.

By mid-morning, the heaviest of the rain will be falling. Widespread rain and a few thunderstorms are expected at this point ahead of the cold front. 

By the early afternoon, most of the rain has shifted into the metro east or out of our area completely. As the cold front moves through, temperatures will hold steady and the wind will shift, effectively ending rain chances.

Overall, most of us can expect at least 1/3″ of rain. Many areas will see between 1/2″ and up to 1″ of rain, with locally higher amounts in some cases. 

Because of the timing of this rain, today is a Weather Alert Day. Scattered storms will turn more widespread during the morning commute. A few embedded thunderstorms in this big area of rain will likely produce rainfall rates between 1/2″ to 1″ per hour, causing issues on the roadways. Don’t expect to go the speed limit during the commute, and keep the umbrellas handy through the early afternoon.

The Weather First Team will use “Storm Alert” to refer to life-threatening or major-impact weather conditions in our region. “Weather Alert” refers to nuisance or disruptive weather and is indicated by orange icons and bars in our weather graphics on TV and online.

5 On Your Side news appiPhone | Google Play

To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku or Amazon Fire TV.