A cold front is expected to trigger strong to severe thunderstorms across south-central Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia region on Friday, October 16.
Forecasts indicate the main severe window runs from 2 p. m.
to 8 p. m.
, with storms developing after morning showers and some clearing.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed the Susquehanna Valley under a slight risk, level 2 of 5, for severe weather.
Primary threats include damaging wind gusts, brief heavy rain, and lightning.
The chance of an isolated tornado is low and mainly along and east of U. S.
Route 15, with no current threat of large hail or flash flooding.
In Philadelphia, the strongest storms could arrive around 6 to 7 p. m.
, with wind damage possible and an isolated tornado not ruled out.
The severe threat is expected to end by late evening as the front moves east.
Friday temperatures are forecast to reach the upper 70s in the Philadelphia area and upper 70s to lower 80s in south-central Pennsylvania after morning showers give way to muggy conditions.
Colder, Gusty Weekend and First Frost
Behind the front, northwesterly winds will strengthen Friday night and continue through early Saturday evening.
Sustained winds are expected at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts near 40 mph.
Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items and decorations as winds increase.
Saturday will turn substantially colder, with highs in the lower to middle 50s.
Temperatures could fall into the lower to middle 30s Saturday night, creating the potential for the season's first widespread frost or freeze.
The greatest risk is expected from 3 to 8 a. m.
Sunday, when sensitive plants and vegetation could be damaged.
NBC Philadelphia also forecasts widespread frost and freezes Sunday morning, followed by mostly sunny conditions and highs near 60.
Another frost threat could develop Sunday night.
