Several Days Of Storms In Eastern PA Forecast: See Timing

Heavy rain and thunderstorms could hit the greater Philadelphia area Wednesday afternoon and evening, kicking off several days of looming and possibly lingering stormy weather, forecasters said.

The rain will begin at around 3 p.m. Wednesday, with a chance of rain continuing on and off throughout the evening, according to the National Weather Service.

Thunderstorms may begin starting around 5 p.m.

Rain, which delayed the Phillies game in the bottom of the ninth inning on Tuesday night, could interfere with events and scheduled plans through Friday. Between one and a half to two inches of rain is forecasted to fall throughout the five-county region around Philadelphia through Friday night.

However, locally higher amounts are possible, particularly where thunderstorms strike.

"Thursday is expected to be the wettest day of the week, with numerous showers and thunderstorms," the National Weather Service's Mt. Holly, New Jersey branch said.

The wettest period is likely to begin at around 7 a.m. Thursday and will continue into the late evening.

Friday has a lower chance of showers, and some rain could linger into Saturday, but the wet weather looks to be fully gone by later Saturday into early Sunday.

Here's the full forecast, according to the National Weather Service:

Wednesday
A slight chance of showers between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 7 a.m. High near 80. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 a.m., then a chance of showers. Low around 67. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday
A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Friday Night
A slight chance of showers before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Saturday
A chance of showers after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Saturday Night
A chance of showers before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78.

Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Monday
Partly sunny, with a high near 78.

Monday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.