While consecutive days of some amount of rainfall are still expected throughout this weekend, forecasters still have no greater clarity Thursday on the track of the nor'easter and exactly how it may impact the greater Philadelphia area.
"Beginning Friday and especially this weekend, the forecast is much more uncertain and will depend on the track of a low developing off the coast," the National Weather Service's Mt. Holly, New Jersey branch said in their latest forecast update. "If the storm tracks close to our coast, significant coastal and marine impacts will continue into this weekend along with rain and wind which may extend inland as well."
However, if the storm tracks east, the chief impacts would be tidal flooding and gusty winds along the coastline.
Given that the nor'easter is expected to arrive by Friday, forecasters may not have a confident grasp of its track and how far inland it will impact until it's arrived.
Accuweather maps indicate that the Philadelphia area is just within the zone that would feel some rain and winds from the nor'easter, though far more significant impacts are expected on the coast, particularly in parts of Virginia and New England.
"The storm is forecast to loop toward New England, keeping its strongest winds and heaviest rain away from New York City and areas southward to Delaware and eastern Maryland," Accuweather said.
Further, a new weather pattern could bring a front of dry air south from the northeast on Thursday and Friday. This could clear the skies over much of the region. Central Pennsylvania and points west are not expected to receive rain at all this weekend, save a slight chance of a shower on Sunday.
Strong wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour are possible Friday and into Saturday.
Tidal flooding from lingering conditions this week remains a risk Thursday along the Delaware River. A coastal flood watch has been issued in Philadelphia, lower Bucks, and Delaware counties from 10 p.m. Wednesday through 4 a.m. Friday.
"At this level, flooding begins on the most vulnerable roads along tidal waterways," the National Weather Service shared in an alert. "Some partial or full road closures are possible."
Here's the full forecast for the coming week:
Thursday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Friday
A slight chance of showers after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 71. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
Friday Night
A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
Saturday
A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 69. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Saturday Night
Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Sunday
A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.
Sunday Night
A chance of showers before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
Monday
Partly sunny, with a high near 70.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
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