Widespread storms and potential flooding set to hit Philadelphia Monday
- An onshore wind brought fog and low clouds to Philadelphia over the weekend.
- Monday will see potentially heavy rain and storms due to an approaching cold front.
- Travel may be hazardous due to flooding and fallen trees following the storms.
In Philadelphia, the weekend forecast has brought a mix of weather conditions. Beginning with Saturday, an onshore wind from the southeast contributed to low cloud cover and fog early in the morning, which quickly cleared up to reveal mostly sunny skies. The temperatures rose into the upper 80s in the afternoon, with a slight chance of isolated showers particularly in areas north and west of the I-95 corridor. Meanwhile, along the shore, temperatures were more comfortable, reaching near 80 degrees with sunny conditions. Sunday's weather mirrored Saturday's patterns, starting off with areas of fog before transitioning to a mix of sun and clouds. The humidity and warmth continued, leading to isolated storms developing in the afternoon hours. As the day progressed, the region prepared for a significant weather shift coming on Monday. A cold front approaching from the west is expected to influence the area, bringing moisture from the southwest that will contribute to widespread showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. The forecasts indicate that rainfall rates could escalate, with some storms producing 1-2 inches of rain per hour and total rainfall possibly exceeding 2-4 inches in localized areas. This heavy precipitation combined with the already saturated ground from previous rains raises the risk of flooding, particularly in urban settings where water can collect on roads and lead to hazardous travel conditions. Late evening commutes may face significant disruption due to flooding and fallen trees caused by saturated soil conditions. Warnings have already been advised for travelers to avoid flooded areas and seek alternative routes. Moving into Tuesday, the rainfall may subside but localized flooding is likely as a consequence of Monday's storms. Meteorologists anticipate that a typical summer weather pattern will follow for the remainder of the week, featuring partly sunny skies with isolated afternoon storms and rising temperatures. Highs are expected to hover around the 90-degree mark, with high humidity impacting felt temperatures in the mid-90s. As summer conditions continue, officials will monitor for possible heat alerts while ensuring the public is informed about safety measures during adverse weather events.