Strong storms are possible Wednesday in Louisville. Here's what to expect

Don't forget your umbrella when you leave home today, Louisville. Wet weather is coming this afternoon.

Strong storms and showers are expected to roll into the region Wednesday afternoon and linger into Thursday, according to a release by the National Weather Service of Louisville.

In a Wednesday morning release, the weather service said heavy rainfall and lightning are possible. The possibility of a brief tornado "cannot be ruled out, but is a lesser threat," NWS said in its statement, with the worst of the weather expected to hit south and central Kentucky. 

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Local meteorologist Mark Jarvis said the region is sure to see some rain, but "there is a hance that this activity may weaken as it comes in." Whether the storm will end up being a severe threat will depend on how the system develops throughout the afternoon.

The best chance of rain is between noon and 8 p.m., Jarvis said. The temperature Wednesday is expected to rise into the mid 80s, with a low of 66 degrees.

Flooding is unlikely, Jarvis said, but commuters should be prepared for potential ponding in Louisville's roads.

Forecast for the rest of the week

Wednesday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms possible after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Light and variable southern wind between 6 to 11 mph in the morning, which could gust as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. On Wednesday night, a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southwest wind between 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind heading southwest between 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. By Thursday night, a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southern wind 6 to 8 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 93. Southern wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Reach Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez at abrinez@gannett.com; follow her on Twitter at @SoyAnaAlvarez