Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Residents across Pennsylvania and New Jersey should prepare for a wetter-than-average stretch March 5-11, with repeated rain chances that could slow travel and nudge river levels higher across the region.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, both states fall within a 40 to 50 percent chance of above-normal precipitation during the March 5-11 period. While the rain signal is not as strong as areas farther west in the Ohio Valley, it still favors multiple systems bringing measurable rainfall to the Mid-Atlantic. Temperatures are also expected to trend above average, reducing the likelihood of widespread wintry precipitation.
In Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Newark, Trenton and Atlantic City, most precipitation will fall as rain. Brief mixing could occur in higher elevations of central and northern Pennsylvania during overnight hours, but milder air should dominate through the period.
Periods of steady rainfall may create ponding along Interstates 76, 80 and 95, as well as the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. Smaller streams and urban drainage systems could see gradual rises if repeated rain tracks over the same counties.
Residents should clear storm drains, monitor local river forecasts and allow extra commute time during heavier rain. The unsettled pattern continues through March 11, and additional advisories could be issued if rainfall trends increase.
