TIMELINE: Storm chances ramp up for Independence Day in Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – The holiday weekend should get started on a drier note with lower rain chances Thursday evening and Friday.

Of course, for the holiday itself Saturday, widespread storms will threaten cookouts outdoor plans.

Storm chances Friday will rise to 50%, with most of the action favoring areas south of Orlando.

Friday evening

For the Fourth, storms become much more widespread. Expect storms to fire along and around I-95 and I-75 early in the afternoon.

1 p.m. Saturday

Storms will gradually push toward I-4 late in the afternoon.

3 p.m. Saturday

Rain and storms are likely to to linger through the evening in interior Central Florida.

5 p.m. Saturday

Essentially, the storms have to rain themselves out rather than move out as the steering flow is very weak.

8 p.m. Saturday

Rain chances gradually drop by fireworks time, but a few light showers may hang on inland.

Storm chances remain elevated Sunday. Highs will be in the lower 90s Friday through Sunday.