Changes In Store For PA Weather As Storms Move In

Several days of clear weather will be broken up early this weekend with the potential for thunderstorms and rain across the Philadelphia region.

The National Weather Service said while Saturday will not be a total washout, there will be scattered showers and storms around into the afternoon. "The severe threat is low, but remain alert for brief downpours, gusty winds, and small hail," the NWS said.

A round of showers with some rumbles of thunder is expected overnight through Saturday morning, especially northwest of I-95, according to forecasters with the NWS's Mt. Holly office. Scattered showers and storms will linger into Saturday afternoon.

Behind the sporadic showers into Saturday night, winds will kick up.

"While it will be much cooler on Sunday, when compared to Friday, the gusty winds and very dry air will quickly dry out the brush and fallen leaves once again," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said.

There is an increased risk of fire spread starting Friday.

The NWS issued a special weather statement, warning area residents to avoid outdoor burning.

"There is an increased risk for rapid fire spread this afternoon across portions of New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania," the NWS Special Weather Statement said.

Earlier this week, a 15,000-acre wildfire started in southern Ocean County, New Jersey. A 19-year-old New Jersey man has been charged with arson in connection with the blaze.

Minimum relative humidity values will be around 25 to 35 percent. Southerly winds of 10 to 15 mph and high temperatures in the mid 70s to near 80 degrees are predicted. "These conditions, along with the continued drying of fine fuels, could support the rapid spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult to control," the statement said.

Outdoor burning is "strongly discouraged" and residents should be sure to properly extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including cigarette butts.

Here's the local forecast:

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight: A chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Low around 60. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before noon, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. High near 76. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 72.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.