Philadelphia is in for a warm, unsettled Wednesday, with a high near 85°F and a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, so keep a rain jacket handy if you’re heading out.
Today’s Setup
According to the National Weather Service’s Mount Holly office, a warm front is lifting north through the Philadelphia area this morning, with a weak area of low pressure adding extra lift by afternoon. Southerly winds out of the southeast at 0 to 5 mph are pumping dew points into the low to mid 70s, pushing the heat index into the upper 80s to low 90s even though the air temperature only reaches near 85°F. Look for scattered showers around 10 to 11 AM ET as the front passes, then a better chance of showers and thunderstorms developing between 1 and 4 PM and continuing into tonight, with a 52% chance of more storms before 4 AM.
Flash Flood Risk This Afternoon
The Weather Prediction Center has placed the Philadelphia region in a Marginal Risk for excessive rainfall today. Forecasters are watching for training thunderstorms — storms repeating over the same areas — that could produce more than an inch of rain locally even though basin averages should run a quarter to half inch. If you’re near the Schuylkill River trail or other low-lying spots this afternoon, avoid flooded roads and watch for fast-rising water.
Best Window To Be Outside
Your driest stretch is before 10 AM ET, ahead of the warm front’s showers. Hold off on mowing or grilling until later in the week — Thursday looks mostly sunny through midday before a slight chance of storms after 4 PM, though a high near 91°F and a heat index near 103°F will make it feel brutal.
What To Wear Or Bring
Grab a packable rain jacket or a compact travel umbrella before heading out today, and waterproof hiking boots will keep your feet dry if you’re walking or working outside through any downpours. Check the outdoor gear deals on the site to stock up before the weekend.
Gameday & Concert Weather
Fans heading to Subaru Park for the Philadelphia Union vs. Cruz Azul match on Thursday, August 6, should plan around that evening’s storm chance after 4 PM — Get tickets on SeatGeek and grab Official team gear on Fanatics before you go. WWE Friday Night SmackDown hits Xfinity Mobile Arena on August 7, and since it’s indoors, it’s a solid rain-or-shine pick — look for an Xfinity Mobile Arena Premium Seating t-shirt to mark the night. The Phillies host the Toronto Blue Jays at Citizens Bank Park on August 8. Tonight, KALEO plays The Fillmore Philadelphia, and Reggae Fest Philly lands at the same venue on August 8 — read our Reggae Fest weather guide before heading out, and Find tickets on StubHub.
Tonight’s Dinner
With storms rolling through, this is a good night to stay in for rainy day comfort food — a big pot of chili, beef stew, or soup. A programmable slow cooker or an enameled cast iron Dutch oven makes it easy. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Thursday turns hot and hazy with a high near 91°F, and the humid, stormy pattern continues as southwesterly flow keeps Philadelphia sandwiched between a Bermuda High and a slow-moving trough. For sun protection between storm chances later this week, check out the UPF 50+ Sun Hoodie for Just $5 This Fishing Season. Check back for updates as this active pattern evolves.
