Hot and humid weather will continue today and Saturday, but forecasters say the weekend also will include afternoon and evening thunderstorms -- a repeat performance of last weekend.Slightly cooler and drier conditions are expected by early next week.Conditions today should be similar to Thursday, forecasters say.That means several hours of hot sun, a climbing humidity, and the development of thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. As was the case Thursday, a few of those storms could become a severe. And also like Thursday, the storms that form in the mountains and foothills could keep their strength as they head into the Piedmont, before dying out in the evening as the temperature falls.Such a storm caused damage Thursday evening in Gaston County, knocking down trees in the Country Club Road area and knocking out power briefly to about 400 customers.The same storm led to a rescue on the Catawba River. A Gastonia man who was on a raft called 911 for help when the storm struck. A Swift Water Rescue Team was called and helped the man to safety.Highs today could reach the middle 90s.Saturday will feature highs in the low 90s, with a 30 percent chance of late-day thunderstorms.A cold front will reach the area Sunday. That means more clouds, highs only in the upper 80s, and a 40 to 50 percent chance of thunderstorms. Forecasters say some of those storms could become severe. A few storms could be left Monday.Tuesday and Wednesday will be sunny, with a low humidity and afternoon highs in the upper 80s.
