Weather alerts indicate potential for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall from Thursday afternoon through Friday evening in the Kaiserslautern area, according to the German Weather Service DWD. (DWD)

Thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecasted for Kaiserslautern this afternoon and evening, with the potential for severe weather, according to the German Weather Service.

Strong storms could bring heavy rainfall of more than half an inch per hour, small hail, and wind gusts up to 43 mph.

Starting tonight and continuing through Friday evening, prolonged heavy rain is expected, with potential totals ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 inches, and isolated areas could see up to 3.1 inches in 12 to 24 hours, according to the service.

Temperatures today will peak between 61 F and 68 F, with light winds from the west. Overnight lows will drop to between 46 F and 50 F.

Friday will see persistent heavy rain with highs between 59 F and 72 F, shifting winds towards the southwest by evening. Rain is expected to ease by Saturday, but showers and thunderstorms remain possible throughout the weekend.