The citizens of Nashville should brace themselves for a dramatic shift in weather as the National Weather Service forecasts a series of storms and potentially severe weather conditions in the coming days. After a mild and cloudy start, temperatures are expected to soar to a high near 87 degrees today with winds picking up, hinting at the turbulent weather ahead. Gusts could hit as high as 20 mph, adding a blustery overlay to an otherwise warm day.

Tonight, the atmosphere takes a more threatening turn with an 80 percent chance of heavy showers and thunderstorms after 8 pm, according to the National Weather Service. Residents in the area are advised to prepare for significant rainfall, with new precipitation amounts expected to be between 1 and 2 inches. The accompanying south wind isn't taking a break either, maintaining a steady pace at 10 to 15 mph and, could whip up gusts as powerful as 20 mph.

The deluge continues into Friday with showers and thunderstorms mainly before 11 am and the probability of precipitation holding steady at 80 percent. The temperatures will cool down to a high near 71, while north winds will blow at a gentler 5 to 10 mph. Even then, new rainfall amounts could range from a tenth to a quarter of an inch, however, heavier downpours are likely within the thunderstorms.

Though the chance of showers diminishes as the weekend approaches, with only a 20 percent chance of precipitation Saturday morning and 30 percent Saturday night, the forecast suggests the possibility of scattered showers continuing into early next week. Sunday's weather will remain mostly cloudy with a slim chance of showers before 2 pm; thereafter, conditions are predicted to improve with partial clearing in the evening and a low around 41. Monday will bring some respite with sunny skies and a pleasant high around 68.

Looking ahead, Nashvillians might experience a short-lived dry spell before another round of showers threatens to dampen spirits, with a 20 percent chance of rain on Tuesday followed by possible showers and thunderstorms Tuesday night. By Wednesday, the possibility of rain still looms over the city with similar odds, amidst mostly sunny weather and highs nearing the mid-70s. The citizens are encouraged to stay aware of weather updates as this capricious pattern of spring weather unfolds.