More mild and dry weather in Philadelphia Thursday, better chance for rain this weekend
With the chill still held back over Canada, it will be another unseasonably warm day with highs in the mid to upper 70s, close to the record of 79. A gusty breeze will pick up this afternoon as the cooler air advances southward.
While there is a small chance of a shower south of the area later today or tonight, for most of us this front will once again come through dry, failing to deliver any of that much-needed rain.
The newest drought monitor for the country was released today and much of Atlantic and Burlington counties have now been placed in the Extreme drought level, with the vast majority of the region still in a Severe drought. This appears to be the worst drought in our area in over 20 years.
The dry conditions have been fueling wildfires in our area, and the conditions on Friday look favorable for rapid fire spread. A secondary cold front will kick up gusty winds in the afternoon, and much drier air at the surface will lead to lower relative humidity levels.
We will alert you if fire weather warnings are issued for the area. Temperatures will still be above average in the low 70s, but a reinforcing shot of chilly air will drop the temperature on Saturday back to the average high of 59 - which will feel very chilly in light of the warmth we've had.
Sunday brings our first decent chance for measurable rain in over 40 days. Clouds will increase as a new system approaches from the west, and showers are possible late Sunday into early Monday. While it doesn't look like a soaking rain, widespread showers could bring as much as 0.25-5" to the area, and every little bit helps.
We are also watching the tropics as Hurricane Rafael moves through the Gulf of Mexico. The hurricane will continue to weaken and may dissipate in the Gulf without making another landfall. We will keep you posted.
Here's your 7-day forecast:
Thursday: Showers possible south. High of 76.
Friday: Nice day. High of 69, low of 47.
Saturday: Sun, seasonable. High of 60, low of 45.
Sunday: PM showers. High of 63, low of 43.
Monday: AM showers. High of 71, low of 57.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High of 66, low of 51.
Wednesday: Nice and mild. High of 64, low of 41.
