Philadelphia residents may want to cherish the calm before the storm as a mixed bag of weather conditions is set to sweep through the area. The city woke up to an overcast sky and a brisk 40 degrees Fahrenheit this morning, with the humidity sitting at a comfortable 63 percent and winds remaining particularly still, setting a tranquil tone that belies the dynamic forecasts ahead, according to the National Weather Service.
The weather pattern we're seeing is somewhat typical of this transitional time of year, with temperatures and conditions fluctuating as we straddle the line between the tail end of winter and the cusp of spring, the NWS forecasts indicate a mostly cloudy day today with a high nearing 62 degrees, and gusts that could reach up to 30 mph which might come as a bit of a shock to those who stepped out into this morning's stillness. As today's winds pick up, the chill factor will too, despite the thermometer's higher reading.
Looking towards tonight, clear skies will allow temperatures to drop around 30 degrees, with persisting winds from the northwest at 10 to 15 mph, gusting again as high as 30 mph. Tomorrow shows a promise of sun with slightly cooler highs around 50 degrees, giving us a brief respite before the workweek brings its own set of challenges weather-wise.
Beginning tomorrow night into Monday, an 80 percent chance of rain and snow showers before 2 a.m. is on the book then turning to rain showers and with the low sitting around 39 degrees, there's little to no snow accumulation expected but the shift from snowflakes to raindrops will mark the transition into a wetter phase. Monday showers are set to be a primary feature, primarily tapering off before 2 p.m., with highs reaching up to the low 60s, and as previously mentioned, Tuesday will offer a break in the rain with the sun shining and temperatures hovering around the upper 50s.
However, as often is the case with spring weather, the National Weather Service reminds us that this reprieve is only temporary, with a 40 percent chance of showers returning Tuesday night and rain chances lingering on and off throughout Wednesday. The rest of the week appears to follow a consistent pattern, with temperatures primarily in the 50s and nights cooling down to the mid to high 30s, with the next weekend hinting at conditions similar to today's, sporting mostly sunny skies and high temperatures around the low 60s.
