Periods of rain and thunderstorms are expected across the area into the weekend according to the National Weather Service of Topeka. Rain and thunderstorms will become widespread this afternoon and tonight. A few of the storms may be strong with small hail this afternoon and evening. Occasional rain chances along with isolated thunderstorms continue for the rest of the week and into the weekend. Parts of north central Kansas will have the lowest chances for rain while east central Kansas will have the greatest potential for rainfall. Temperatures will be warmer than normal for early March with highs in the 60s.

Tonight: Cooler. Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of rain showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 40s. Northeast winds up to 5 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with slight chance of rain showers. Highs in the lower 60s. Northeast winds 5 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of rain showers. Lows in the lower 40s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday: Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. North winds 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy with slight chance of rain showers. Lows around 40.

Friday: Partly sunny with slight chance of rain showers. Highs around 60.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of rain showers. Lows in the lower 40s.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain showers. Highs in the lower 60s.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy with slight chance of rain showers. Lows in the mid 40s.

Sunday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 40s.

Monday: Sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.