Summerlike conditions are on tap for the Philadelphia region this week, as a geomagnetic storm develops that could bring sightings of the northern lights, forecasters said.
Highs will soar into the upper 80s and low 90s on Thursday, while highs of 93 are expected on both Saturday and Sunday, according to forecasters.
The heat could be punctuated by thunderstorms at some point Saturday night, with a higher chance overnight after 2 a.m., the National Weather Service said.
Meanwhile, the surge in heat is not the only weather note of interest impacting the region. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3 (strong) storm watch for Thursday, meaning there's a likelihood of seeing the northern lights around the United States-Canada border.
However, solar activity can be difficult to predict. NOAA said that there is a chance for isolated periods of G4 (severe) storms, which would make the northern lights more likely to be visible in Pennsylvania You may need a camera to see them, though.
The most accurate forecasts come just half an hour before peak activity, which would be later Thursday night.
Following the heat and potential storms Saturday, more precipitation is expected Sunday, the National Weather Service said.
"Depending on the timing and how the atmospheric conditions evolve, the potential for an isolated stronger to severe thunderstorm may be possible," National Weather Service forecasters said.
A few showers may linger into Monday as well.
The full forecast for the coming week is included below, according to the National Weather Service:
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 89. Light northwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
Saturday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday
Showers likely before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
Sunday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 59.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 82.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 62.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
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