PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — Summer is not letting up. Thursday marks the start of the sixth heat wave of the season for the Philadelphia region, and this one comes loaded — high heat, suffocating humidity, and a real chance of severe storms.
Temperatures will climb into the low 90s, but that is not the number that matters. With dewpoint temps in the mid-to-upper 70s, it will feel like the triple digits outside. If you are planning to be outdoors Thursday afternoon, be ready to sweat the moment you step out the door.
Storms Are the Bigger Concern Thursday
The afternoon brings more than just heat. Pop-up storms are expected to develop, especially west of the city, where there is an elevated risk of severe weather.
The area is currently under a level 1 risk. Damaging winds are the greatest threat, but any storm that rolls through has the potential to dump heavy rain fast.
Flooding is a real possibility wherever those storms hit hardest. Keep that in mind if you have afternoon plans.
What the Rest of the Week Looks Like
This unsettled pattern is not going anywhere quickly. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected daily through Saturday, mostly during the afternoon and evening hours.
It will not rain all day, but outdoor plans will need flexibility. The humidity stays brutal through the weekend, with highs staying in the low 90s and feels-like temperatures remaining dangerously high.
The good news arrives Sunday. Rain chances drop to near zero for the back half of the weekend and into early next week.
Here is your 7-day forecast at a glance:
- Thursday: Hot, pop-up storm | High 91°, Low 75°
- Friday: Hot, thunderstorm | High 90°, Low 76°
- Saturday: Hot, thunderstorm | High 91°, Low 76°
- Sunday: Mostly sunny | High 90°, Low 76°
- Monday: Mostly sunny | High 92°, Low 75°
- Tuesday: Few showers | High 91°, Low 75°
- Wednesday: Partly cloudy | High 88°, Low 73°
Stay hydrated, limit time outdoors during peak afternoon hours, and check for storm updates before heading out.
Are you prepared for another round of dangerous heat this week? Share how you are staying cool in the comments below.