Friday NEXT Weather Alert: Possible strong storms, damaging winds before weekend cold front
A slightly enhanced severe weather threat across the Philadelphia region is developing ahead of a strong cold front. Scattered thunderstorms could produce damaging wind gusts, particularly Friday afternoon and evening.
The exact timing and extent of the threat are still being refined.
TODAY: Mostly sunny early, with increasing clouds this afternoon. Cooler and much less humid. High 66.
TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy, with showers developing overnight, especially after midnight. Low 57.
FRIDAY (NEXT WEATHER ALERT DAY): A few morning showers, then warmer and more humid with scattered thunderstorms possible later in the day. Some storms could be strong to severe, with damaging winds the primary concern. High near 80.
NEXT big weather changes
Friday is now a NEXT Weather Alert Day as the severe weather threat has increased. A powerful upper-level trough digging into the Northeast will drive a strong cold front across our region, with a slight risk (Level 2 out of 5) for severe thunderstorms across portions of eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
The main concern is damaging wind gusts, but the latest outlook also indicates a marginal possibility of a brief tornado, particularly near the Delaware River Valley and Delmarva. Not everyone will see a severe storm, but the combination of increasing instability and strong wind shear makes this a threat worth taking seriously.
Friday may start with showers before we get a break in the rain around midday. Southwest winds will bring warmer, more humid air into the region, pushing temperatures into the upper 70s and possibly near 80 degrees. That warmth and moisture will help fuel thunderstorms as the cold front approaches, with the greatest severe weather concern Friday afternoon into early evening, roughly 4-8 p.m.
A line or broken line of storms could develop, producing locally damaging winds and potentially affecting the evening commute, high school football games and other outdoor plans.
The wind will remain a concern even after the thunderstorms move out. As the front pushes offshore Friday evening, colder air will rush into the region on gusty northwest winds, with gusts of 30+ mph possible overnight into Saturday morning. That could bring down some smaller tree limbs or unsecured outdoor decorations, even outside any thunderstorms. At the Shore, conditions will become especially rough Friday night into Saturday, with strong winds and hazardous boating conditions.
The weekend brings a dramatic return to chilly October weather. Saturday will be mostly sunny but blustery, with highs only in the mid-50s and northwest winds making it feel even colder. Sunday looks sunnier and less windy, with highs near 60 degrees, making it the more comfortable day for fall festivals, pumpkin picking and outdoor sports. We're also watching the potential for widespread frost and some freezing temperatures in colder suburbs Saturday night into Sunday morning, with lows falling into the 30s. Temperatures gradually moderate early next week, returning to the 60s Monday and Tuesday.
The bottom line: Friday's NEXT Weather Alert Day brings a heightened threat for damaging thunderstorms, followed by strong winds and a dramatic weekend cooldown.
Philadelphia 7-day forecast:
Thursday: Showers south. High 68, Low 58
Friday: Storms, wind. High 79, Low 61
Saturday: Windy, colder. High 55, Low 49
Sunday: Frosty start. High 60, Low 39
Monday: Mostly sunny. High 66, Low 42
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High 70, Low 48
Wednesday: Partly cloudy. High 70, Low 50
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