Nothing says late February weather in Pennsylvania like waking up to a lightning bolt hit nearby. That was the reality for a few of us this morning, and more thunderstorms are likely today.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of the state under a Marginal Risk, meaning there may be a few isolated thunderstorms. However the damaging wind threat will go beyond just the strongest storms. Below is the severe risk outlook map.
There will be scattered heavy rain showers and rumbles of thunder around the area, but the risk is for a broken line of strong to severe storms that will move through Central PA late this afternoon and Eastern PA early Wednesday evening, as shown on future radar below.
Temperatures will once again reach the 60s in most of the state ahead of this front, but will rapidly crash as it pushes through by about 10-15 degrees in an hour or two. Here are today’s highs.
Total rainfall amounts are expected to be within a half-inch to an inch, but localized areas may see 1.5”.
Watch for frozen puddles of water Thursday morning, as temperatures will dive into the 20s overnight tonight. However, we are hoping the winds following the rain will dry things up before they have the opportunity to freeze. Widespread Wind Advisories are up for 40-50mph gusts possible as the front moves through.
Thursday will ruin the party for those who thought spring has already sprung, with high temperatures only reaching the upper 20s to low 40s. Ouch! Breezy conditions will make it feel even colder, with isolated snow showers possible Thursday morning mainly in the north and west.
Temperatures will rebound nicely as we head into the weekend! You can view regional forecast maps for Friday and Saturday here.
We are certainly in an active, but very warm weather pattern. The pattern looks to stay like this well into March with really no end in sight, and the possibility for that one random late season snowstorm looks low. But never say never, as typically Strong El Ninos bring at least one big storm. This winter will be an exception if the East Coast doesn’t get any major storms!
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