WARMING UP: Skies are slow to clear Wednesday. Clouds linger through most of the day, and a few early showers are possible, especially east. By about mid to late afternoon, some sunshine should be able to break through the clouds. Temperatures are highly dependent how soon the clouds move out, but it should be enough to boost most well into the 60s, perhaps near 70 degrees. Summer warmth is in place for Thursday. Temperatures reach the lower to middle 80s under partly sunny skies. Friday still warm and well above average. A front crosses, and brings the chance for a few showers and thunderstorms, particularly for the morning hours. Highs are back into the 80s.
TASTE OF SUMMER: Even warmer temperatures are anticipated into the weekend. It feels like the middle of summer, in fact. Readings reach the middle 80s Saturday as a strong front amplifies over the region. As it builds, a few afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Sunday, temperatures are in the middle to upper 80s! We’ll watch the potential for the first 90 degree day of the year! There’s partly cloudy skies, and the chance for an isolated thunderstorm. Monday brings our next cold front. Showers and thunderstorms are likely during the afternoon.
Have a great Tuesday!
SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK
Severe Weather Awareness Week continues for PA! Through Friday, there’s a topic of discussion to better inform and prepare the public for this year’s severe weather season. Tuesday’s topic is severe thunderstorms.
Pennsylvania regularly sees thunderstorms throughout the year, particularly during the spring and summer seasons, of course. But what makes a thunderstorm “severe?” In order for a thunderstorm to be classified as severe, it must contain follow these criteria: wind gusts of 58 miles per hour or higher and/or hail one inch in diameter, or a tornado. They are typically accompanied by frequent lightning and torrential downpours, but that does not make a storm severe.
If conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorm development, the National Weather Service issues a Severe Thunderstorm Watch. This only means that conditions are favorable for a thunderstorms that form to become severe; a severe thunderstorm may not actually happen. However, it is important to be vigilant, follow the forecast much closer that day, and be ready to seek shelter if a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued. With that said, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning means that Doppler Radar has indicated a storm that meets severe thunderstorm criteria OR there is confirmed damage from a storm that already meets the criteria. Whether confirmed or not, it is the time to take action and seek shelter.
If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued, remain calm, but act quickly. Always head inside. Safe places at home include basements or interior rooms without windows. These spots include closets and bathrooms. This protects you from flying debris or damaging hail until the thunderstorm passes. Avoid using electrical appliances and taking showers. Lightning can use these means to travel if a home or other building is struck.
Remember, if you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning! Abandon ALL outdoor activities, and immediately go inside.
Stay with FOX43 Weather for more important information through the rest of the week!
