Showers and thunderstorms are predicted to be widespread this afternoon as weak low pressure approaches from the west, the National Weather Service is predicting.

A few of the thunderstorms over southern New Hampshire and southwest Maine could contain gusty winds and small hail.

Today's clouds and precipitation should help limit high temperatures to the 70s in most locations.

Showers and a few thunderstorms will linger tonight through Sunday as low pressure, both surface and aloft, meanders slowly northeastward, according to the weather service.

This system will produce locally heavy rainfall.

Northern New Hampshire, the western Maine mountains and foothills, as well as the capital district of Maine can expect a good two or three inches of rainfall.

The National Weather Service has posted a flood watch for these areas from late today through Sunday afternoon for potential flooding of small rivers and streams.

Elsewhere an inch or two of rain will limit problems to localized drainage flooding and standing water. The clouds and precipitation will produce lows in the 60s with highs Sunday in the 70s, according to the weather service.

Clouds, scattered showers and temperatures in the 70s can be expected on Monday as the system begins to exit the area.

A weak high pressure ridge should bring a rare dry day to the area on Tuesday along with temperatures near 80.

The next system arrives from the Midwest by Wednesday, bringing a return to the unsettled weather of late.