Philadelphia, PA – A hot, humid Friday will grip the region with heat index values climbing into the 90s, bringing potential health risks and storm hazards. The National Weather Service says dew points in the 70s will make the air feel oppressive from Philadelphia through Wilmington and into southern New Jersey. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected, and localized flash flooding is possible, especially south and west of the city.
According to the NWS Mount Holly office, a weak upper-level disturbance will help trigger the storms, though widespread severe weather is not anticipated. The heaviest downpours could overwhelm drainage in flood-prone spots along the I-95 corridor from Chester County to northern Delaware. Drivers are urged to avoid water-covered roads, and residents in flood-prone basements should remain alert.
Forecasters are also tracking Tropical Storm Erin in the Atlantic. While no direct impacts are expected this weekend, dangerous rip currents and possible coastal flooding could develop along Mid-Atlantic beaches early next week.
Conditions will ease slightly this weekend before more unsettled weather returns next week.
