Capital Weather Gang: D.C.-area forecast: Pleasant sunshine today and much of weekend; 4th of July has a wet threat

Tomorrow (Friday): The heat is on and so is more palpable humidity. Light southwest breezes offer little relief as highs peak in the upper 80s to 90. An approaching cold front could set off showers and storms early in the day, especially north of the city. The bulk of the region is more likely to see those storms pop up in the afternoon and early evening. Most should produce only brief rains but localized downpours are possible, so take care and be aware. Confidence: Medium-High

Tomorrow night: Showers should die out fairly quickly after sunset as breezes shift to the northwest and start the drying process. Lows range through the 60s. Confidence: Medium-High

Sunrise, June 2016. (Mariya Tolentino)

A LOOK AHEAD

Saturday and Sunday are splendid twins with mostly sunny skies, low humidity, and light breezes. Highs are in the low-to-mid 80s and overnight lows should hold in the 60s. Confidence: High

Independence Day (Monday) is a bit of a wild card. Depending on the track and timing of a storm system developing in the Midwest (still uncertain), it could be stormy as early as midday — with intermittent showers and storms through the evening. Or, a lot of rain and storm activity cold hold off until overnight and even focus on Tuesday. This is an evolving and challenging forecast that we’ll get a better handle on over the next couple of days. Depending on how quickly any clouds and rain move in, highs could be near 80 (more clouds and rain) or in the upper 80s (less clouds and rain). Confidence: Low-Medium

BEACHCAST

N.J. Beaches: Highs mid-upper 80s/lows mid-upper 60s. Thunderstorms end Friday evening, clear Saturday/Sunday. Increasing clouds, chance of late day thunderstorms Monday. Water temps upper 60s.

Del./Md. Beaches: Highs low-mid 80s/lows near 70. Thunderstorms end Friday evening, partly sunny Saturday/Sunday. Thunderstorms possible late Monday. Water temps lower 70s.

Va./N.C. Beaches: Highs mid-upper 80s/lows lower 70s. Thunderstorms end Friday evening, partly sunny Saturday. Mainly p.m. thunderstorms possible Sunday and Monday. Water temps mid-70s.