Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued Ahead Of Evening Commute

UPDATE: Severe Thunderstorm Watch in place through 11 p.m.

Thunderstorms, some of which could be severe, are possible throughout Eastern Pennsylvania on Tuesday afternoon, with the primary hazard being strong winds and heavy rain, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook, saying locally heavy rain could result in flooding in poor drainage areas.

In addition to the storms, an excessive heat warning has been issued in Philadelphia and the suburbs, with the heat index potentially soaring to as high as 106 Tuesday, the National Weather Service says.

There is the potential for a couple of the strongest storms to produce a tornado as well, according to AccuWeather Storm Warning Meteorologist Alex Avalos.

"Some of the downpours will be capable of producing several inches of rain in only a few hours and inundating low-lying and poor drainage areas," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Andy Mussoline said.

Downpours and locally gusty storms could cause delays near major airport hubs, including in the Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston areas, experts predict.

The good news is, the rest of the week should be less hot, with highs in the 80s predicted through early next week.

Here is the forecast:

Today: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2am. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.

Wednesday Night: A slight chance of showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Light north wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.