Storms possible in Philadelphia today, heat and humidity build across the region this week
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — After a rain-free weekend, heat and humidity are building this week, with increased chances for showers and storms each day. While no day looks like a complete washout, we'll have to dodge raindrops each afternoon and evening, and there is the potential for some steadier rain late Tuesday night.
Clouds have been prolific today across the region as an area of low pressure spins over southern New England. Showers and storms will fire up around the back edge of that low this afternoon and evening, with areas from the city on east having the greatest likelihood of storms.
The unsettled weather will continue with scattered showers and storms Tuesday and Wednesday as another system arrives from the Midwest.
Temperatures will hover near or below average Monday through Wednesday but edge upwards to the 90s by Thursday and beyond, signaling another possible heat wave by next weekend.
Will Philadelphia see wildfire smoke?
You have probably heard about the giant wildfires across California, Oregon and Canada. Hundreds of thousands of acres have burned, destroying homes, towns and state and federal forests. Sadly, the largest fire in California, the Park Fire in Chico, was caused by arson.
The Park Fire is almost three times the size of Philadelphia and remains out of control as of Sunday evening. Smoke from the Park Fire is so thick that it is visible on satellite imagery.
The question is, will we see smoke from these western fires? Until now, it has remained over the western U.S. and Canada, but it will drift across the northern Plains, Great Lakes and upper Midwest through the week ahead.
Light smoke in the upper atmosphere will also drift past the Lehigh Valley, Berks and the Poconos through Monday evening, providing the chance for a pretty sunset but no air quality issues. Rain chances the next several days will keep our area clear of any smoke.
Here's your 7-day forecast:
Monday: High of 87, clouds and a PM storm
Tuesday: High of 83, low of 74, a few showers
Wednesday: High of 88, low of 75, chance for storms
Thursday: High of 92, low of 73, hot and humid
Friday: High of 91, low of 76, hot, PM storms
Saturday: High of 90, low of 75, chance for storms
Sunday: High of 91, low of 75, mostly sunny
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