Pennsylvania skies over Philadelphia start unusually warm this morning, but the calm air may not last long. Storm clouds building to the west could bring severe weather later today.
Temperatures surge toward 79°F across the Philadelphia metro, creating a springlike feel across southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. That warmth will help fuel storm development as a cold front moves east.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, scattered showers and thunderstorms could develop between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. across the region. Storm coverage remains uncertain, but any storms that form could strengthen quickly.
The main threat includes damaging straight-line wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph. Storms may also produce hail up to quarter size, and a brief isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
Drivers along Interstate 95, I-76, and the New Jersey Turnpike should expect rapidly changing conditions later today. Heavy rain bursts and strong winds may reduce visibility during the evening commute.
Communities including Philadelphia, Trenton, Wilmington, Reading, and Allentown sit within the zone where storms could intensify as the front approaches.
Along the New Jersey coast, temperatures remain cooler. Atlantic City and Cape May may stay in the mid-50s, where ocean air limits storm intensity but still allows showers.
Residents should secure outdoor items and monitor weather alerts this afternoon. Storms may develop quickly as energy builds across the Mid-Atlantic.
Behind the front, temperatures fall sharply.
By Thursday, highs drop into the 40s and 50s, ending the recent warm stretch across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Despite the cooldown, a gradual return of milder spring weather is expected heading into the weekend.
Are storms building where you live this afternoon? Tell us what conditions look like in your neighborhood.
