Philadelphia woke up to clear, crisp air Monday morning, with temperatures hovering around 50°F at local observing sites. By afternoon, though, strong sunshine is set to crank readings into the mid 70s. Southwest winds will ramp up through the day, turning it into a noticeably breezy stretch across the city. Overnight lows slide back into the upper 50s, keeping it comfortable for sleeping and ideal for knocking out errands or outdoor plans, as long as you stay mindful of gusts in more exposed spots.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Those southwest winds are expected to increase to about 10 to 15 mph this afternoon, with gusts pushing near 20 to 25 mph. That breeze will help drop humidity into the mid 20 percent range, which creates a limited fire weather concern for some of the drier inland areas. According to the National Weather Service Mount Holly, state partners are keeping a close eye on conditions and may issue a Special Weather Statement for parts of Delmarva. If you are tackling yard work, it is a good idea to secure loose brush, trash cans, and any lightweight outdoor gear before the afternoon gusts really get going.
Boaters Should Take Note
On the water, small craft advisories are expected to remain in effect into Wednesday for the ocean waters, with a new advisory slated for Delaware Bay on Tuesday and Tuesday night. Choppy seas and gusty south to southwest winds will make for a rough ride. We tracked the build up to these stronger winds in a recent report on how wind whips Philly, and mariners are urged to postpone nonessential trips and double check local marine forecasts before casting off.
Midweek Rain And What To Expect
Tuesday brings a noticeable jump in heat. Highs near 85°F are likely, with gusts that could reach around 30 mph. A cold front will then shove a shield of rain into the region late Tuesday night into Wednesday. Periods of rain are expected Wednesday into Thursday, with the heaviest totals focused northwest of the I 95 corridor. At this point, it looks like mostly beneficial rainfall, although isolated heavier downpours and a few thunderstorms are possible.
Plan Ahead
Today’s sunshine offers a nice window to get things done, but this is the time to tie down patio furniture and secure yard items before winds strengthen later. Commuters may want to leave a little extra time for travel on bridges and other exposed routes where crosswinds can be a nuisance. Boaters should pay close attention to marine advisories and local VHF broadcasts for the latest conditions before heading out.
