Thunderstorms Threaten Eastern PA: What It Means For Heat Wave

EASTERN PA — A wave of thunderstorms could threaten parts of the greater Philadelphia region into the weekend, but the storm front does not appear significant enough to present a widespread disruption to the heat wave that has burned across much of the continent this week, according to forecasters.

There is a slight chance of thunderstorms starting at around 11 p.m. Friday night, the National Weather Service said.

Storms will slip in and out of the region through Saturday night, but the odds of a direct hit do appear low.

The chance of precipitation is just 20 percent Friday night and Saturday, and 30 percent Saturday night. Meanwhile, temperatures will still soar to 96 on Friday, 98 on Saturday, and 99 on Sunday.

Of course, in the case that the thunderstorms do directly hit, a brief reprieve to the heat would be provided before the heat resettled. But a heat advisory remains in place through Friday night, and an excessive heat watch is in effect until Sunday night.

"The longevity of the intense heat will put additional strain on residents and electrical infrastructure," AccuWeather Meteorologist Renee Duff said.

And it doesn't appear that an end to the extreme heat is otherwise in sight. The highs through next Wednesday are in the low to mid 90s, and temperature records will continue to be threatened.

The extended heat wave and potential continued lack of rain will also have impacts on air quality throughout the area.

"Due to the persistent weather pattern this week, air quality is anticipated to deteriorate significantly, particularly along the Interstate 95 corridor from Washington, D.C., to Boston. The primary culprit behind this decline in air quality is likely to be ozone," Duffus added. "It’s essential for residents in these regions to stay informed and take necessary precautions during this period."

Here's the full forecast:

Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Thursday night
Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday
Sunny, with a high near 96. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Friday night
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m. Patchy fog after 2 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Saturday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Patchy fog before 11 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Saturday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Sunday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Monday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 92.

Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.