Philadelphia is in for a warm and mostly sunny Wednesday before a noticeable change in the weather brings showers and thunderstorms to the region Thursday.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for mostly sunny skies Wednesday with a high near 86 degrees. Winds should remain light, becoming southwest around 5 mph during the afternoon.
For much of the day, conditions should be comfortable for outdoor plans. The relatively low humidity will make the afternoon feel more pleasant despite temperatures rising into the mid-80s.
Showers could arrive early Thursday
The weather pattern becomes more unsettled Wednesday night as moisture increases across the area. The National Weather Service says there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms late Wednesday night, with the chance increasing into Thursday.
Thursday currently looks like the wettest day of the stretch. Forecasts call for showers and thunderstorms, with showers becoming likely after the morning hours. Philadelphia could see between a quarter and half an inch of rain, although locally higher amounts are possible where thunderstorms produce heavier downpours.
Temperatures will still reach the mid-80s Thursday, but cloudy skies, rain and thunderstorms will make the day feel considerably different from Wednesday.
A few thunderstorms could also bring gusty winds. The exact timing and intensity of the storms may change as the system gets closer.
Friday may stay unsettled before the weekend improves
The unsettled weather is not expected to completely disappear Thursday night. The latest forecast keeps a chance of showers into Friday, although conditions should gradually improve.
The weekend currently offers a much better outlook. Saturday is forecast to be mostly sunny with a high around 86 degrees, followed by a sunny Sunday with temperatures reaching about 87 degrees.
For Philadelphia-area residents, the forecast sets up a fairly straightforward pattern: enjoy the sunshine Wednesday, keep an eye on the weather Thursday, and expect improving conditions heading into the weekend.
The forecast will continue to be refined as the Thursday weather system approaches, particularly regarding the timing of thunderstorms and the potential for locally heavy rainfall.
