Above normal temperatures and plenty of sunshine are expected across the North Country today, with highs reaching the upper 80s, the National Weather Service predicts, and while most areas will remain dry today, there could be a few showers or storms out across the St. Lawrence Valley later this afternoon and evening.

Low temperatures tonight will be around 70.

The forecasters say the pattern will change on Sunday when a large upper level trough of low pressure moves into the North Country and brings widespread showers and storms to the entire area, especially Sunday afternoon and night.

Highs on Sunday will range from the mid-70s to around 80, and lows will be in the mid-50s.

High pressure returns early next week with below normal temperatures and drier weather, the NWS says.

The NWS forecast for the St. Lawrence Valley and northwestern Adirondacks:

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 7 to 9 mph.

Tonight

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then occasional showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. High near 80. South wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Sunday Night

Occasional showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and midnight. Low around 56. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. West wind around 11 mph.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 54. West wind around 6 mph.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 78. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 84. Southwest wind around 8 mph.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 65. South wind around 7 mph.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 8 to 11 mph.

Thursday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 9 mph.

Friday

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Southwest wind around 10 mph.