SARANAC LAKE — After a brief stretch of pleasant conditions across the Tri-Lakes area, thunderstorms and gusty winds — some of which may be severe — are forecast to return this afternoon as a cold front sweeps across the region.

As is often the case for the Adirondacks, today’s weather is expected to be variable. The day is predicted to start off with sunshine and seasonably warm temperatures throughout much of the morning. Clouds will begin rolling in from the west around midday ahead of the approaching front with storms to follow, according to the National Weather Service’s Burlington, Vermont office, which serves the Tri-Lakes region.

The storms are forecast to come in two rounds, the earlier of which is in advance of the cold front itself and appears to be more isolated. These may not materialize into severe storms and, if they do, may not impact the entire region.

The second round of storms, which are associated with the actual frontal boundary, are predicted to be more widespread. NWS Burlington Meteorologist Seth Kutikoff said that between the two rounds of storms, the office is highlighting a general window of possible weather-related impacts for the Tri-Lakes region between 2 and 10 p.m. today, although he emphasized that much of that time will include lulls in the action.

Kutikoff said the primary threat today across northern New York is damaging wind gusts with the storms, which could reach as high as 40 miles per hour. He added that while there could be brief, heavy bouts of rainfall, the day’s precipitation totals aren’t expected to be too heavy, and flooding is unlikely — with the Tri-Lakes generally expected to see a half-inch or less of rain today.

Kutikoff said even though today’s severe weather threat doesn’t look to be especially strong, people should keep an eye on the sky and be prepared to seek shelter if thunderstorms are occurring. For more lightning safety tips from the National Weather Service, visit tinyurl.com/khtjkvvt.