Rain expected this week in the Lehigh Valley

Rain is expected mid-week in the Lehigh Valley, but should clear up by Halloween night.

A storm system should hit the area and bring 1-2 inches of rain Wednesday into Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey. Monday and Tuesday should be clear with highs in the 50s.

Showers should start overnight Wednesday and continue through Thursday. Forecasters said there is a possibility of widespread rain and gusty winds, and a chance of thunder, on Thursday. Gusty winds of between 20 and 30 mph are expected.

Rain may linger into Friday before leaving the area that afternoon.

The weekend should be clear for the most part, but forecasters said there is a chance of showers again later Sunday.

The expected rain comes during a dry period for the Lehigh Valley. Rainfall totals have been below normal for the region the past few months, and only .88 inches have fallen this month, which is well below normal, according to weather service data.

The U.S. Drought Monitor, which tracks and displays drought information throughout the country, showed Northampton County and most of Lehigh County are under moderate drought conditions.

High temperatures should remain in the 50s this week.

Here is the extended forecast from the National Weather Service:

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 57. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday: Rain. High near 59. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday: A chance of rain before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers after 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 57.