minyan gal,
Well, I just checked the Weather Channel. There is a picture of the sun with raindrops beside it. So………..it will be sunny with a chance of rain OR rainy with a chance of sun.
Precipitation forecasts are probabilistic due to uncertainty. Behind that sun with raindrops (understandably confusing – not the National Weather Service’s fault, though, rather the Weather Channel’s) is a forecast that might read something like:
Today: Partly cloudy with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. High in the upper 80s.
What this forecast means is that at any given location in the forecast area, there is a 4 in 10 chance of getting rain, and the possibility of this rain will start around 3pm. It’s not as satisfying as a simple yes or no to the “will it rain” question, but when dealing with summer time convective patterns, some areas will get rained on while others do not, so this is the best forecast possible.
These forecasts can still be used for decision making. For example, I usually carry a small umbrella in my bag on weekdays. If the rain chances are 50% or more, I might consider bringing a larger umbrella that I have to carry by hand, or a poncho that takes up space in my bag. If the rain chances are 80% or above, perhaps I’d drive instead of walking, or reschedule outdoor plans, etc.
I definitely recommend reading the text portion of the forecasts… you get much more information than from the cartoon sun and clouds.