7:00 AM | Rain on Thursday ushers in much colder air for the weekend

6-Day Philly Forecast

Today

Partly sunny, cooler, highs in the lower 50’s

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, chilly, chance for a late night shower, lows in the lower 40’s

Thursday

Periods of rain, mild, low-to-mid 50’s

Thursday Night

Lingering evening showers possible then remaining mainly cloudy, turning colder late, near 40 degrees

Friday

Partly sunny, breezy, colder, maybe a lingering shower, mid 40’s

Saturday

Mainly sunny, breezy, cold, near 40 degrees

Sunday

Mainly sunny, still pretty cold, low-to-mid 40’s

Monday

Mainly sunny, milder, near 50 degrees

Discussion

A strong cold front will approach the region on Thursday and periods of rain will be the result as low pressure forms along the frontal boundary zone. Much colder air will flood into the Northeast US following the cold frontal passage for the Friday/Saturday/Sunday time period. This weekend will also feature the first serious outbreak of “lake effect” snows in those typical snow-prone areas just downstream from the Great Lakes given the expected temperature difference between the cold air mass flowing over the still relatively warm water. This cold shot will be only temporary, however. Once high pressure pushes off the east coast early next week, the floodgates will open once again for much milder air to push northward into the Northeast US. In fact, record warmth is likely in many areas east of the Mississippi River by the middle of next week and it should remain quite warm - perhaps even record breaking - for Christmas Day.