Thunderstorms, Plummeting Temperatures As Fall Arrives In Philly Area

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Forecasters say the "coldest air in months" is on its way to eastern Pennsylvania, and it could bring rain, thunderstorms, and temperatures in the 40s just as the autumn equinox arrives.

Warm temperatures and calm skies will prevail through the day Wednesday, the National Weather Service said. But some thunderstorms could arrive Wednesday evening to the region.

Things will really start to change on Thursday, the equinox. Up to a quarter inch of rain could fall, with thunderstorms likely, according to forecasters.

Lows will plummet to 54 in the city on Thursday, and down to 49 on Friday, the National Weather Service said.

"The strongest wave of cool air since May will arrive across the Northeast just in time for the official start of fall," AccuWeather meteorologists said.

The full forecast through the end of the week is included below, according to the National Weather Service:

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 81. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday night

Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 85. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Wednesday night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 66.

Friday night

Mostly clear, with a low around 49.