6:15 AM | ***A prolonged and significant rain event likely coming to the Mid-Atlantic region***

6-Day forecast for the Philadelphia, PA metro region

Today

Mainly sunny, warm, highs in the mid-to-upper 70’s; E-SE winds around 5-10 mph

Tonight

Mainly cloudy, mild, chance of showers, maybe a thunderstorm, lows in the upper 50’s

Friday

Partly sunny, breezy, quite warm and more humid, an occasional shower and an afternoon thunderstorm is possible; however, much of the day should be rain-free, low-to-mid 80’s for afternoon highs

Friday Night             

Mainly cloudy, mild, chance of showers and maybe a thunderstorm, much of the night should be rain-free, near 60 degrees for late night lows

Saturday

Mainly cloudy, breezy, warm, humid, occasional showers are possible; primarily, focused on the late day and nighttime hours, there can be a late day/nighttime strong thunderstorm, some of the rain can be heavy at times, near 80 degrees

Sunday

Mainly cloudy, not as warm, chance of rain, maybe a thunderstorm, upper 60’s

Monday

Considerable clouds, cool, chance of rain, maybe a thunderstorm, middle 60’s

Tuesday

Considerable clouds, cool, chance of rain, maybe a thunderstorm, mid-to-upper 60’s

Discussion

There is a growing chance that a prolonged and significant rain event is coming to the Mid-Atlantic region…something not seen in these parts in quite awhile.

While there can be some shower and thunderstorm activity from later today into later Saturday, the main event likely begins on Saturday night with heavier and steadier rainfall and then rain is likely to be a threat on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and perhaps even Wednesday as well. A warm front lifts through the region tonight with some shower activity and then Friday will turn into a very warm and humid day with scattered showers and thunderstorms…much of the day should be rain-free. On Saturday, a cold front will head towards the eastern US and showers and thunderstorms will become increasingly likely by the time we get to Saturday evening. Some of the rain late Saturday/Saturday night can be heavy at times with the arrival of the cold front and there can be strong-to-severe thunderstorm activity included.

Looking ahead, the upper-level pattern will evolve into an “omega-block” situation and one that can produce occasional rain and cooler conditions in the Mid-Atlantic region from Sunday into the middle of next week. Some of this rainfall during the first half of next week can be heavy at times and this unfolding scenario could put a real dent in any drought conditions that remain in the area.

Meteorologist Paul Dorian
Arcfield Weather