Rain expected in the Bay Area this week

On-and-off rain is expected Wednesday through Friday in the Bay Area, with the heaviest amounts expected Wednesday afternoon and evening, National Weather Service officials said.

As much as a half-inch of rain an hour may drop Wednesday evening before diminishing Thursday. Thunderstorms may accompany the rain Wednesday afternoon and evening, according to the weather service.

Weather service officials said the highest amounts of rain in the region are expected along the coastal mountain ranges, and coastal locations have the greatest chance of experiencing thunderstorms.