Philadelphia woke up to a muggy Sunday morning, with the airport reporting about 72°F and dew points in the mid 60s. The heat is expected to crank up into a summerlike afternoon, with highs near 92°F, before showers and thunderstorms roll in late tonight and bring a chance of damaging gusts and heavy downpours.
Afternoon Heat And Planning
The city ended its Heat Health Emergency on Saturday, according to the City of Philadelphia. Even without the formal emergency in place, the mix of high humidity and heat index values in the mid 90s this afternoon will make outdoor work and long stretches outside uncomfortable. If you need help finding a way to stay cool, check local cooling options or call 311.
Severe Storms Likely Tonight
Scattered severe thunderstorms are likely late Sunday afternoon into Sunday night, with the main window roughly 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Some storms could produce damaging wind gusts, brief urban flash flooding, and there is a low chance of an isolated tornado, according to the National Weather Service.
If you have outdoor plans tonight, it is smart to have an indoor backup ready to go and to secure loose patio furniture before storms approach. Heavy rain could cut visibility in a hurry and cause quick ponding on roads. Drivers should be ready for sudden gusts that could bring down branches and cause brief power outages in some neighborhoods.
Tides, Boats And The River
A Coastal Flood Advisory and Small Craft Advisories are in effect for the Jersey Shore and Delaware Bay for tonight’s tides, and the tidal Delaware River may see spotty minor flooding in low lying areas around high tide. Boat operators and anyone on or near the river should avoid unnecessary trips this evening and keep a close eye on marine advisories.
Quick Safety Checklist
Move outdoor gatherings indoors by late afternoon if you can, drink plenty of water, and charge phones in case of power outages. If you are driving, slow down in heavy rain, never drive through standing water, and check local transit or venue advisories before heading out…