Two days into summer, Delaware County and the region got a real taste of mid-summer weather, brutal heat followed by hellacious storms this afternoon packing sheets of rain, lightning and high winds.
A tornado warning was issued for much of Chester County that expired at 5:45. A new tornado warning has been issued for areas around Camden. There are reports of trees down and power outages across the region. Chester County seems to have the most widespread power outages. Thousands were reported without power in the West Chester and Downingtown areas. Fewer outages are being reported in Delco.
The days started in in a sweat-drenching heat wave with temperatures skyrocketing to the mid-90s with high humidity.
Both a heat advisory and severe thunderstorm were issued for the region through early Tuesday evening.
AccuWeather meteorologist Brian Lada said Tuesday afternoon would see a cold front enter the region. And with it comes cooler temperatures and thunderstorms. According to AccWeather, the chance for precipitation will be 54 percent by 4 pm. The chance for precipitation will remain at this level until 11 pm. Winds are expected to climb as high as 18 mph.
The National Weather Service declared a heat advisory for the region from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, and a severe thunderstorm watch until 7 p.m. The weather service strongly advises anyone who works outside to drink plenty of water, and to reschedule strenuous activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Wednesday’s weather will be slightly more forgiving, with a high of 83 compared with Tuesday’s high of 89. Thursday will have a high of 82 and another afternoon thunderstorm.
And in a break from typical summer weather and temperatures, Friday’s high will be a much more comfortable 75, along with a decent chance of rain throughout the day. Saturday’s high will be even cooler, at 69, will a lower chance of rain. Sunday’s high is expected to be 72, along “periods of rain” according to AccuWeather.
Here’s the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.:
Tuesday Afternoon: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4 p.m. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 94. West wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 9 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. North wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
