Philadelphia is starting Juneteenth under mostly cloudy skies and a comfy 75°F, with celebrations already kicking off around the city. A stray shower could sneak through early this morning, but most neighborhoods should dry out by midday. By afternoon, the clouds break into partly sunny skies and a high near 83°F. West winds will kick in later, so it may feel cooler and breezier than the numbers alone suggest.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Through the afternoon, expect sustained west winds around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts generally in the 20 to 25 mph range and a few isolated peaks near 30 mph. That is enough to jostle lightweight canopies and umbrellas at outdoor events and to rough up conditions along the water more than inland. The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly is flagging the stronger gust potential for this afternoon, according to NWS Mount Holly.
Weekend Outlook
Behind a front sliding through tonight, high pressure builds in, knocking down humidity and setting up a pleasant weekend. Expect mostly sunny skies with highs in the low to mid 80s. It is very much in line with what we flagged earlier, so if you want the full setup, check how sunny Tuesday gives way to heat and storm threats for more background.
Beaches And The Shore
Heading for the Jersey Shore instead of staying in the city? Plan on choppier surf and an elevated rip current risk in some spots. Swim only near lifeguards and pay attention to local beach briefings. The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly has highlighted the higher rip current threat along parts of the coast and is also watching a stronger system that could bring more widespread rain early next week, so keep checking for updates, via NWS Mount Holly.
What To Do
Enjoy Juneteenth events and the coming stretch of pleasant weather, but do yourself a favor and secure tents, signs, and other lightweight gear ahead of this afternoon’s gusts. Have an indoor backup ready in case a quick shower or stronger wind moves through. As for Monday and beyond, keep checking forecasts as you lock in plans, since timing and rainfall amounts could still shift as that next system gets closer.
