Sunny start to the week gives way to rain and storms later

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)- Expect a pleasant start to the week with sunny skies and mild temperatures. However, a significant weather shift arrives later, bringing a 40% chance of rain on Thursday and widespread precipitation on Friday. Forecasted high temperatures will drop sharply to near 48 degrees during the wet period before clearing up for a mostly sunny weekend.

Clear skies and cool conditions are expected tonight, with temperatures dipping to a low around 35 degrees under light and variable winds.

Monday will bring sunny skies and warm weather, with highs reaching near 66 degrees. Lower elevations and the Snake River Plain will see temperatures stretching into the mid-60s to low 70s through Monday.

The pleasant start to the week marks a continuation of dry conditions across the region. Temperatures remain above seasonal normals through early in the week, with light winds turning northeast at around five mph Monday afternoon.

Slight chances of rain return late Monday night into Tuesday, though precipitation will remain light. Daytime high temperatures will hover near 63 degrees on Tuesday and reach 67 degrees on Wednesday.

A major pattern shift arrives by Thursday, bringing cooler and wetter weather to the region. There is a 40% chance of precipitation on Thursday, with showers and thunderstorms possible in the afternoon.

Widespread precipitation is expected by Friday, when the chance of rain increases to 90%. High temperatures will drop sharply to near 48 degrees on Friday and snow levels will lower across higher terrain.

Conditions are expected to clear heading into the weekend, with mostly sunny skies and high temperatures near 48 degrees forecast for Saturday.