Severe Storms, Potential Tornadoes In Thursday Forecast For Eastern PA

There is a risk of severe thunderstorms Thursday that could bring hail, downpours and possibly a tornado to the Philadelphia region, according to the latest forecast.

The day starts off with more "dangerous heat," National Weather Service forecasters said. With mostly sunny skies and "oppressive" dew points, things will be muggy. Temperatures will be in the upper-80s to mid-90s.

A heat advisory will be in effect until 8 p.m. in Philadelphia and Delaware counties, as well as parts of South Jersey, where the heat index could get up to 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

"In addition to the dangerous heat, severe weather remains a concern Thursday afternoon and evening," the National Weather Service said.

Dangerous heat will continue today, with heat index values of 95-100 expected generally south of I-78. Scattered severe storms are expected this aft/eve, with damaging wind as the primary hazard. Low potential for hail and a tornado or two will also exist. #NJwx #PAwx #DEwx #MDwx pic.twitter.com/fN7Hlg1YgS
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) June 19, 2025

Marginally severe hail and an isolated tornado are possible, according to the National Weather Service. Downpours may be heavy.

AccuWeather forecasters predict damaging wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph.

Skies will clear by Thursday night, forecasters say. After that, things will get drier and quieter, at least for a bit of time, according to the National Weather Service.

Dangerous heat and humidity is expected to build again by Sunday and into early next week. Forecasters say that heat indices may get up to 95 to 105 degrees, ushering in the first potential heat wave of the year just after Friday's summer solstice.

Here's the latest forecast:

Today: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 9 pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Patchy fog before 9 pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 85. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.