Philadelphia is waking up under a blanket of clouds, with temperatures sitting in the low 60s and that familiar pre-rain feel in the air. The brief midweek heat is history, replaced by a cool, wet setup that will keep showers in the picture through Thursday, May 21. Plan on a damp commute and daytime highs hovering near 64°F.
Showers And Thunderstorms On Tap Today
Rain showers are expected to slide in during the morning, with showers likely before about 8 a.m. Thursday, May 21, then becoming more widespread through the afternoon with a few embedded thunderstorms. New rainfall totals could land between a quarter and a half inch, and northeast winds of 5–10 mph may gust a bit higher inside stronger cells. In other words, keep the umbrella handy and build in some extra travel time, according to the National Weather Service Mount Holly.
Unsettled, Cooler Holiday Weekend Ahead
A stalled front teamed with persistent northeast flow will keep the region on the cooler side into Saturday, May 23, with several rounds of showers in the mix. By Saturday night, total rainfall is expected to reach roughly a half inch to an inch, with locally higher amounts possible. Sunday, May 24 should start to feel a bit milder, and Memorial Day, Monday, May 25 is projected to climb into the mid 70s, though a chance of showers still lingers. The steadiest rain is most likely late Friday into Saturday, so anyone banking on outdoor plans should keep things flexible and follow updates from the National Weather Service Mount Holly.
Coastal Concerns For Boaters And Beachgoers
Small Craft Advisories are posted for many local waters into Saturday morning, as building east-northeast winds and higher seas turn conditions choppy and raise the odds of ferry disruptions. Rip current risk is expected to be MODERATE on Thursday and bump up to HIGH on Friday at Atlantic beaches. With ocean temperatures still in the 50s, falling into the water can quickly lead to hypothermia. If you are heading to the shore, swim near lifeguards, pay attention to flag warnings, and steer clear of small craft while advisories remain in effect.
Plan Ahead
Between wet roads, lower visibility in heavier downpours, and transit running a bit slower than usual, it is worth leaving earlier for commutes and keeping outdoor gear covered. Before heading to the shore or taking small boats out over the holiday weekend, check local forecasts and marine products so the only surprise you run into is the check at the snack stand.
