Timing For Storms, Cold Air On First Day Of Fall In Philly Area

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A strong cold front will bring with it wind, rain, and thunderstorms on the autumnal equinox Thursday in eastern Pennsylvania.

Rain is likely through most of the early part of the day and early afternoon, with the frequency tapering off later in the day, according to forecasters. Winds could hit up to 20 miles per hour, and thunderstorms are possible. The good news: flooding and other damages appear unlikely, forecasters say.

"Some brief downpours and gusty winds are possible with the showers and storms," the National Weather Service said. "But the severe potential is low."

Up to half an inch of rain could fall during the day. Temperatures will begin to plummet during the afternoon hours and are expected to go all the way down to 51 overnight in the city. Parts of the suburbs could see lows in the mid to high 40s.

The cold front represents the chilliest air in the region in months, according to AccuWeather.

"Out ahead of the cold front, air more comparable to August was in place Wednesday across the northeastern U.S.," AccuWeather added. "While behind the cold front the air headed for the region was more akin to mid- to late October."

Here's the full forecast for the remainder of the week, according to the National Weather Service:

Thursday

Showers and thunderstorms before 2pm, then a slight chance of showers. High near 78. Southwest wind around 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday night

Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 64. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Friday night

Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 71. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

Saturday night

Mostly clear, with a low around 55.

Sunday

A chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday night

A chance of showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Chance of precipitation is 40%.