Severe storms in Philadelphia region Wednesday could bring wind damage, heavy rain, flash floods
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Wednesday was another hot and humid day in the Delaware Valley, and some storms are moving through the region.
The chance for severe weather will, once again, threaten the region into this evening. Severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect for southwestern New Castle County and northwestern Kent County in Delaware until 9 p.m.
Northeastern Lehigh County and Northern Northampton County in Pennsylvania are under flash flood warnings from the National Weather Service until 11:30 p.m.
Southeastern Bucks County and Northeastern Philadelphia County are under a flash flood warning until 1:30 a.m. Thursday.
Philadelphia International Airport was in a ground stop as of about 7:30 p.m., with departing flights delayed because of weather.
According to FlightAware, incoming flights to PHL were being held at their origins until 9 p.m. and departing flights were delayed for 61 minutes or longer because of weather.
The entire region was under an excessive heat warning for much of the day. When feels-like temperatures climb well into the triple digits, heat-related illnesses increase significantly. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned area, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.
More potentially severe storms
Storms will produce intense downpours and potentially severe wind gusts as a cold front approaches the area — this could mean another round of power outage problems for people throughout our region. In addition, traveling through these heavy downpours will be dangerous.
For this reason, Wednesday is a NEXT Weather Alert day.
The Storm Prediction Center has the area in a "slight risk" for severe weather or a 2 out of 5 on the risk scale. This means scattered severe storms are possible. We could be looking at another evening similar to Tuesday evening with widespread wind damage, large hail, heavy rain and frequent lightning.
Along the Jersey Shore, storms could still be active after 8 p.m.
Finally some relief
The good news? We finally have a pattern change on the way. The cold front will sluggishly push through the region Thursday, and dewpoints will gradually drop through the day. While there may be a spotty shower or two, temperatures are more manageable with highs back to the mid-to-upper 80s.
By Thursday night, low humidity arrives, and we'll wake up Friday morning to a comfortable and refreshing air mass. Still, expect it to be seasonably hot Friday with highs in the upper 80s, but lower humidity will keep it comfy for outdoor activities. Through the weekend and beyond, the temps will drop back to seasonably normal levels with only stray summer storms as humidity slightly increases starting Sunday.
Stay with the NEXT Weather Alert Team for the latest updates on the heat and the storms.
7-day forecast
Wednesday: High of 95, NEXT Weather Alert Day
Thursday: High of 87, low of 73, AM shower, clearing
Friday: High of 88, low of 67, beautiful day
Saturday: High of 87, low of 69, sun and clouds
Sunday: High of 90, low of 71, mostly sunny
Monday: High of 90, low of 72, mostly sunny
Tuesday: High of 87, low of 73, partly cloudy
