Philadelphia woke up in a sweat this morning, with muggy temps already in the low 70s and the city on track to spike near 93°F this afternoon (Saturday, June 6). Skies stay mostly sunny while southwest winds pick up through the day. Late tonight, a cold front slides in from the west and drags a band of showers and thunderstorms across the region, most likely between about 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. Damaging straight-line winds are the main concern for neighborhoods along and north/west of the I-95 corridor.
Afternoon Heat And Gusty Winds
Inland spots will climb into the low 90s with a southwest breeze of 5–15 mph and gusts to around 20–25 mph by afternoon, which will make it feel even hotter away from the river. For neighborhood-level details and where to cool off, check out how the hot stretch builds toward stormy Sunday.
Evening Thunderstorm Threat
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to fire up to the west and move in late Saturday night, becoming most likely between about 11 p.m. and 1 a.m., according to the National Weather Service Mount Holly. A Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) is posted for the I-95 corridor and points north and west, with damaging straight-line winds and isolated hail as the primary threats. Storms should move quickly, with rainfall generally under a quarter inch. Keep tabs on any local watches or warnings tonight and be ready to head indoors if storms roll in.
Code Orange Air Quality Alert
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission has issued a Code Orange air-quality alert for the Philadelphia metro (relayed by the NWS), meaning people with asthma, heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should limit long stretches of outdoor activity. For guidance and a list of cooling centers and health resources, see the City of Philadelphia. If you are sensitive to smoke or ozone, plan indoor activities or move workouts to earlier in the day.
Beach And Boating Notes
A Small Craft Advisory starts this afternoon for coastal waters north of Great Egg Inlet, with seas building to around 5 feet, and the NWS is holding a Moderate rip-current risk for many Jersey Shore beaches today. Ocean temperatures are in the low 60s, so sudden immersion can bring on hypothermia quickly. Beachgoers and boaters should check the National Weather Service before heading out.
Bottom line: expect a hot, breezy afternoon and keep an eye on the sky after dark, secure loose outdoor items, go easier on outdoor exertion if you are in a sensitive group, and have a quick plan to get inside if storms pop. We will update this forecast if any watches or warnings are issued.
