NWS: Potential for Thunderstorms, Wind Gusts Thursday in Northern Virginia

The heat is back on Thursday, but a good chance for storms today could help ease the heat and humidity, according to forecasters.

The National Weather Service says this morning that thunderstorms are expected today — they give it about a 60 percent chance — in Northern Virginia, with some of the storms possibly being severe during the afternoon and evening. The main threats, according to the NWS, are wind gusts and large hail.

Temperatures will hit highs between 87 and 91 degrees today (Thursday).

Thunderstorms could delay tonight's Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves game, which is set to start at 7:05 p.m. Here's what Capital Weather Gang has to say: "This forecast is a call that only an umpire could love. Best bet is bulk of thunderstorms roll through before the game, but timing could easily go foul. In any event, a late start seems possible, but at least it will be rain cooled."

The Capital Weather Gang predicts that "downpours could bring as much as an inch to some places but for most .25 to .50″ is a more likely outcome." 

The Weather Channel forecasts storms starting around 4 p.m. in the area.

The good news: Friday is forecast to be sunny, with a high of just 85 degrees compared to mid-90s temps earlier this week.