Severe Storms Could Provide July 4th Fireworks In Eastern PA

EASTERN PA — The thunderstorms heading towards the greater Philadelphia area on 4th of July could be severe, forecasters said in their latest update on the approaching front.

Storms will begin in the afternoon, likely after 2 p.m., on Thursday, the National Weather Service said. They will continue into the evening.

"Not everyone will see storms, but those who do will get a downpour, lightning, and gusty winds," the National Weather Service's Mt. Holly, New Jersey branch said in a statement. "If you are out on the 4th and thunder roars, go indoors."

The tracking of the storm will make planning for events like parades and fireworks tricky. As of early Wednesday, forecasters believe the southwestern suburbs and most of the city to be within the area where severe storms are possible. The northern and northeastern suburbs may be safe from serious impacts.

The storms could bring with them damaging winds, torrential rains, and flash flooding where they are the strongest.

Things will clear up Friday morning, but there will be scattered thunderstorms and rainfall throughout the afternoon and evening Friday, and into the night on Saturday. The inclement weather will not disperse for three days, with sunny skies finally returning on Sunday morning.

Here's the full forecast:

Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

4th of July
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%= percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

4th of July Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday
A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.

Monday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Tuesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.