Severe Storms Forecast for Philadelphia: Tornado Risks and Heavy Rain Expected

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — A line of severe thunderstorms is expected to descend upon the Philadelphia region Monday evening, bringing damaging wind gusts and the chance of localized flooding, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The NWS has issued a weather alert indicating that severe weather may occur between 4 p.m. and midnight, with the possibility of wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph and isolated reports of tornadoes. “A brief tornado and hail are possible as well,” the NWS stated in their forecast.

Weather conditions are expected to worsen throughout the evening. The Weather Channel anticipates a 32 percent chance of thunderstorms by 7 p.m., escalating to a 61 percent chance by 8 p.m.

The storms originated from a severe weather system that affected parts of Missouri, Tennessee, and Michigan over the weekend, where reports of large hail and tornadoes emerged. “The same storm system that produced severe weather risks on Sunday will continue to plague residents farther east from Monday to Monday night,” said AccuWeather forecasters.

Areas from New England down to the Gulf Coast are under threat as these storms move across the East Coast. “Through the day and into the early evening, some ongoing storms will intensify, and new ones will form ahead of the cold front while spreading to the East Coast,” a report from The Weather Channel noted.

Before the storms arrive, temperatures in the Philadelphia area are expected to rise into the upper 60s and 70s. The Philadelphia Phillies are set to host their home opener against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park, with a game time of 3:05 p.m.

For today’s local forecast, the NWS predicts a slight chance of showers in the morning, followed by more substantial rainfall after 2 p.m., with a high near 75 degrees. Winds will be southwest at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph. The probability of precipitation stands at 30%, and new rainfall amounts are expected to vary between a tenth and a quarter of an inch.

Tonight’s weather includes showers and potential thunderstorms before 2 a.m., with a likelihood of heavy rainfall. The temperature is expected to drop to around 43 degrees, with a 100% chance of precipitation and new rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches.

Tuesday will see partly sunny conditions gradually shifting to full sunshine, with a high of approximately 58 degrees. Wind gusts will be around 15 mph, getting lower during the night to a low of around 38 degrees.

The extended forecast shows temperature highs in the mid-50s to high 70s, with varying chances of rain throughout the week, specifically on Wednesday and Thursday.