Storms Likely Wednesday, As Water Levels Already High: PA Weather

This week's stifling heat will be broken up by some stormy weather later in the day Wednesday, forecasters predict. The National Weather Service has issued both a hazardous weather outlook and a heat advisory, which is in place through 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Torrential downpours are possible this evening, and could lead to localized flooding, the NWS said. The stormy weather is most likely to arrive between 3 and 9 p.m. In addition to the torrential downpours, the storms could come with gusty winds, the NWS warns.

The latest round of storms comes as water levels in local streams and rivers are already high. Earlier this week, authorities issued several warnings against recreational activities on the Delaware River. High water levels on the river prompted numerous rescues over the weekend.

On Wednesday morning, police in Solebury Township were still advising against going out on the river.

The water levels are still high, police said, noting the Riegelsville area is expecting some flooding from rains that passed through Tuesday. "We recommend that people stay out of the river at this time," Solebury Township police said in a message to Patch.

Because, as police noted, "even if the river is not flooding over its banks, it is dangerous at this time."

Those that do decide to go tubing should do so only under the direction of a tubing company where safety equipment and measures are in place, police said.

The popular tubing spot Bucks County River Country was closed through Monday due to the river levels. On Tuesday, as the river was running six and a half feet above normal levels, it reopened but only to tubers 18 and older. "Every single person needs a life jacket today, no matter what your age," River Country announced Tuesday.

By Wednesday, river levels at the New Hope-Lambertville bridge had receded to three and a half feet above normal levels, according to data from the NWS. But tonight's rains could affect that. You can see current levels by clicking here.

RELATED: 'Stay Off The River' Bucks Co. Officials Warn As Rescues Made

Here is the forecast:

Today: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. West wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 9pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. West wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9am. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. Northwest wind around 6 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind.

Photo of the Delaware River at normal levels by Kara Seymour