The greater Philadelphia region is bracing for a trifecta of severe weather threats as forecasters predict dangerous heat and powerful storms for Wednesday.
With the risk of flash floods looming for the third consecutive day, the National Weather Service has placed a significant portion of eastern Pennsylvania and parts of western New Jersey and Delaware in the highest risk zone for severe storms.
While storms were reported south of the area on Tuesday, the situation is expected to change dramatically as Wednesday progresses.
Showers and thunderstorms are likely to develop after 1 p.m., but the most intense storms are anticipated during the evening hours, particularly between 8 p.m. and overnight into Thursday morning.
Forecasters warn of potential rainfall amounts reaching one to two inches per hour, with localized totals of two to four inches possible in the most severe storms.
Urban and poorly drained regions, along with areas known for flooding near creeks and streams, are under heightened flood watch.
Residents should be prepared for possible road closures and power outages due to the anticipated severe weather.
Adding to the worries, extreme heat will accompany the storms.
Wednesday’s high is expected to hit 91 degrees, but the heat could intensify on Thursday.
A heat advisory is in effect for the entire Philadelphia region from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, with heat index values forecasted to soar above 100 degrees throughout the area.
Another round of potential thunderstorms is on the horizon for Thursday, although the National Weather Service has categorized the risk level for these storms as the lowest.
Weather conditions are anticipated to improve by Friday, as humidity levels drop and the likelihood of storms decreases significantly.
The National Weather Service has provided the following detailed forecast for the region:
On Wednesday, expect a combination of partly sunny skies and a chance of showers and thunderstorms starting in the afternoon.
The high temperature will be near 91 degrees, with a calm wind shifting southwest around 5 mph.
The chance of precipitation stands at 50 percent, with new rainfall amounts ranging between a tenth and quarter of an inch—though higher amounts are possible with thunderstorms.
As night falls, showers and thunderstorms are likely, especially before 8 p.m.
Conditions will be mostly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 75 degrees and a 60 percent chance of rain.
Expected new rainfall amounts are again between a tenth and quarter of an inch, with higher totals possible in stronger storms.
Thursday’s forecast calls for a mix of sun and clouds with a chance of showers and possible thunderstorms after 11 a.m.
Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 92 degrees, with heat index values as high as 102.
A southwest wind of 5 to 10 mph will prevail, with a 40 percent chance of precipitation and potential rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch in light rain, but again with higher amounts in thunderstorms.
As for Thursday night, expect similar patterns, with a chance of rain likely before 8 p.m.
The temperature will drop to around 77 degrees, and the chance of precipitation is at 30 percent.
Lastly, on Friday, a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecasted after 2 p.m., with mostly sunny conditions and a high near 88 degrees.
image source from：patch
