Scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely for the next few days as a rain-making system slips through the Houston region.

A strong ridge of high pressure that has been draped above the region for days moved northward slightly allowing the storms and moist air from the east to slide through the area, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters said the area is likely to dry out later in the week when the high pressure dips further south and settles above the region.

Today, a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is likely. Forecasters said the rainfall will probably be scattered as the storms move westward through the area. Early today the best chance of rain is east of Interstate 45, but later this afternoon downpours are likely west of Interstate 45.

The high temperature will top out near 95 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. The low will be about 78. The heat index—how hot the air feels when temperature and humidity combine—will be about 104.

Rain chances drop to about 30 percent Wednesday. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are most likely after about 1 p.m. when the temperature climbs. The high will be near 95 under partly sunny skies. The low will be about 79. The heat index will be about 104.

Rain chances continue Thursday, when a 30 percent chance of showers is forecast. The high will be near 95. The low will be about 79.

The area begins to dry out Friday, when a 20 percent chance of isolated showers is possible. The high will be near 96 degrees under mostly sunny skies. The low will be 79.

Temperatures climb Saturday and Sunday. The highs each day will be in the upper 90s under mostly sunny skies. The lows will be in the upper 70s. A slight chance of rain is possible Saturday, but no rain is forecast for Sunday.

dale.lezon@chron.com