TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Rain combined with cloud cover is the big weather story for the next 3 days. After the rain moves out of the area this morning, there may be 45-55 mph wind gusts for a short time once it dries out with the next best chance of rain returning throughout the day Monday. The risk for t-storms is low but any t-storms that exist, lightning would be the main concern. The unseasonably cool weather lasts through Friday but it does warm up Wednesday from the cool weather we’ll have for the next 3 days.

Rain continues to be the concern the next 3 days and when factoring in rain from last night, still expected the highest rain to be south of I-70 by Tuesday with at least 1.25″ with some isolated 2-3″. Lower rainfall totals will be north of I-70 but still getting at least 0.50″ so everyone should get decent rainfall the next 3 days and with it coming in waves, flooding is not a concern.

Today: Rain likely this morning, isolated showers this afternoon with most spots dry. Highs in the mid 60s. Winds NE 5-15, gusts up to 25 mph.

Tonight: Isolated showers if anything most of the night with most spots dry, best chance for more widespread rain starts to move in around sunrise. Lows in the mid 50s. Winds E 5-15 mph.

Tomorrow: Rain likely all day. Some dry time is possible but not as much as yesterday or what we’ll have this afternoon. Highs in the upper 50s-low 60s. Winds E 5-15, gusts up to 20 mph.

We’ll continue with showers at times Monday night but Tuesday may end up being completely dry as the chance is low during the day. Will continue to monitor the trends but it is expected to be overcast even if it is dry.

More breaks in the cloud cover is expected Wednesday through Friday but models differ on specifically how much sun as well as details on timing of rain (if we get any at all). Confidence is low on the Wednesday through Friday time-frame so don’t be surprised if there are changes to the forecast in the next couple days especially with respect to rain chances.

Confidence is higher for next weekend as it warms back up in the 80s with plenty of sun. It is worth noting 1 of the 3 long range models is a lot hotter where 90s would be possible but the other 2 models are more in the 80s so the 8 day reflects that.