Rain, gusty thunderstorms to mark end of the week across northeastern U.S.

After receiving a brief break from the relentless wet weather at midweek, rain and thunderstorms will return to the northeastern United States at week's end.

"A storm system approaching the Northeast will likely lead to an isolated threat for strong to severe thunderstorms Friday afternoon," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said.

Locally damaging winds will be the primary threat with the thunderstorms on Friday. The strongest storms may also produce small hail.

While the severe weather threat will not be as widespread as what occurred across the South Central states this week, it only takes one thunderstorm and a strong wind gust to damage trees and other structures.

Some rain will begin to fall across the interior portions of the Northeast Thursday before the main line of thunderstorms moves through on Friday.

Most of the Interstate 95 corridor from Boston to New York City and Washington, D.C., should be free of rain into Friday. However, a few pockets of drizzle will be possible Thursday and Thursday night.

Locations at risk for these thunderstorms include Albany and Binghamton, New York; and Scranton and Allentown, Pennsylvania.

"These thunderstorms are not expected to reach the I-95 corridor until after sunset," Buckingham said. "This should also allow these thunderstorms to weaken below severe limits upon arrival."

Those traveling on the interstates on Friday afternoon will want to slow down in any heavier downpour to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.

Friday evening outdoor sporting events, concerts or graduations could be threatened with these storms.

The arrival of showers and thunderstorms will also give way to a cooler weekend.

Despite drying out with the return of sunshine, highs on Saturday will be trimmed 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit below expected highs on Friday. Sunday should turn out even cooler.

Highs Sunday could be stuck in the 50s F across much of the mid-Atlantic. Normal highs this time of the year are in the lower 70s F.

More rain will approach the mid-Atlantic states on Sunday. There could be enough heavy rain on Sunday for areas of flooding, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas.

Northern New England may be able to escape with a fully dry weekend.

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