AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Grab the rain gear! Rain chances return today... but so does the risk of severe storms. Another area of low pressure digging out west will bring scattered rounds of showers and storms to us today and Friday. Both days will feature on and off showers with some thunderstorms, especially during the second half of the day. Front approaching this week Today will start with mainly cloudy skies and just a few spots of drizzle. It's more likely we see pockets of meaningful rain and stronger thunderstorms late afternoon through evening. Both today and Friday will feature a low severe weather risk (level 1 out of 5) with damaging winds and large hail being our primary concerns. There is also a low risk for localized flash flooding. Low risk of severe storms on Thursday Low risk of severe storms on Friday A slim (10%) rain chance continues into Saturday, but most of us will be dry through the weekend. Tracking the Tropics Hurricane Rafael made landfall in western Cuba at 3:15 p.m. Central Time as a major Category 3 hurricane. Hurricane Rafael While Rafael does head through the Gulf, it will likely run into a westerly wind that will slow it's progression and keep it away from Texas. As of now, we're not anticipating any impacts locally from Rafael. Get the latest tropical update here. MISS THE COLD? Remembering Austin's heaviest snowstorm FIRST WARNING WEATHER: Stay up to date with your Central Texas forecast, sign up for our weather newsletter at kxan.com/newsletters Stay up-to-date with the First Warning Weather team Follow the KXAN First Warning Weather team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also follow our meteorologists' individual accounts for livestreams and a little bit of what goes on behind the scenes: @JimSpencerKXAN @KristenCurrieTV @NickBanninWX @FreddyVelaWx @TommyHouseWx