Heat Now, Rain Later

The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of an excessive heat watch in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Northern Delaware and Central New Jersey that will be in effect until 8 p.m. tonight.

The most dangerous conditions will be in the afternoon and evening.

The state’s Department of Environmental Protection has declared an air quality action day for today in three of Pennsylvania’s forecasting regions—Philadelphia, Susquehanna Valley, and Lehigh Valley/Berks regions.

On air quality action days, young children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should limit outdoor activities, according to DEP.

The forecast for today from NWS is sunny and hot, with a high near 99 and heat index values as high as 102. There will be a west wind between 8 and 13 mph.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. West wind between 3 and 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: A slight chance of showers between 8am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Northwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 6 mph becoming east. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.