PHILADELPHIA, PA — Powerful, potentially damaging winds and severe thunderstorms threaten the greater Philadelphia this weekend as a front nears the region, forecasters said.
The latest forecast calls for rain to begin early Friday afternoon before the worst of the storm hits at around 4 p.m. The most severe impacts are possible through around 9 p.m.
"We've got a bit of a wild weather ride ahead of us," the National Weather Service's Mt. Holly, New Jersey branch shared.
It's possible that the most severe weather will form along a "narrow squall line" running from the east to west, so while the general region will see stormy weather, the most damage may occur along the same longitude.
The entire region remains in the level two "slight risk" category from the National Weather Service.
Wind gusts ranging from 25 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour are expected throughout the area.
"Wind gusts will average 25-40 mph, which is not quite as strong as what can sometimes occur with the most powerful storms in the autumn, winter and spring," Accuweather senior meteorologist Brett Anderson said. "However, winds will be strong enough to send leaves, as well as unsecured trash cans, recycling bins and Halloween decorations flying through neighborhoods."
There is a "non zero" chance that winds could even kick up into a tornado somewhere in eastern Pennsylvania, forecasters said.
Warm air will move in ahead of the storm but the front will bring in the coldest air some parts of the region have seen for months. While the high on Friday is 81, the overnight low will drop to 48, before plummeting to 37 on Saturday night.
More moderate highs in the low 60s will return into early next week.
"By early next week, the topsy-turvy temperature pattern will be complete, with highs (and lows) returning to near the historical average for the third week of October," Accuweather added.
Here's the full forecast for the region for the coming week:
Friday
A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 10 p.m., then showers likely. Low around 48. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday
Partly sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 37. North wind around 10 mph.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 57. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 42.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 49.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 66.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 47.
Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.
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