It is starting off mild and muggy across Philadelphia this morning, with temperatures near 60°F and pockets of fog along the riverfront that could slow down some early commuters. The area will warm up quickly, with highs climbing toward 80°F, but a late afternoon backdoor cold front could spark scattered showers and a few thunderstorms.
Morning Fog, Warm Afternoon
Patchy fog is likely before about 8 a.m., especially near the Delaware River and in lower-lying neighborhoods. After that, skies should brighten and temperatures are expected to jump into the upper 70s and low 80s. By late day, showers and a few isolated thunderstorms become possible, with roughly a 40% chance across the metro area. Once the front slips through, readings should drop back into the low 70s, according to the National Weather Service.
Timing, Records And Commute
The unusual "backdoor" cold front is expected to sag south through the region during the afternoon, so inland spots may hit their warmest numbers earlier, followed by a quick cooldown. That kind of non-diurnal temperature swing can make the evening commute a bit of a wild card, so it is a good idea to keep an umbrella handy and budget extra time if you have outdoor plans after work.
Sunday Rain And Coastal Hazards
Showers should become more widespread on Sunday as a stronger cold front crosses the region, with gusty southerly winds possible and new rainfall totals generally around a quarter to a half inch. Small craft advisories are likely on nearby coastal waters as seas build to 4 to 6 feet. The NWS forecast discussion also notes that the warmth on Saturday could challenge record highs and record-warm overnight lows in a few locations.
Plan Ahead
If you have outdoor plans for Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning, consider shifting them earlier or lining up a backup plan, and secure any loose yard items ahead of the gustier weather. Boaters and commuters should check the latest marine and transit alerts before heading out and keep an eye out for any watches or warnings that may be issued later in the day.
