Periods of showers and thunderstorms today

Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected today as a powerful cold front drives through the Philadelphia and New York City metropolitan areas, putting an end to the Summer like conditions of the past several days.  Behind this cold front, a brief yet brutal freeze can be expected followed by a return to near normal temperature levels.

Periods of rain with embedded thunderstorms can be expected through this evening.  The thunderstorms will be capable of heavy downpours, frequent lightning, small hail, and wind gusts over up to 40 mph.  Rainfall amounts will range from a half an inch to an inch and a half with locally higher amounts possible.  Urban flooding is a threat through this afternoon along with poor visibility.  Winds will be from the southwest at 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph outside of thunderstorms.  Temperatures will rise slightly from this morning with highs in the upper 50's to lower 60's along the coast and lower to mid 60's throughout the region the region.

Tonight, the rain will end with a few lingering flurries possible.  Skies will clear rapidly after midnight with winds veering to the northwest at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to 5 to 15 mph by morning.  Temperatures will crash into the upper 20's to lower 30's throughout the Philadelphia and New York City metropolitan areas leading to a brief yet damaging freeze.

High pressure will take hold tomorrow morning and remain in place through Friday with scattered cloud cover and slowly moderating temperatures.  Winds will back to the west at 5 to 15 mph through the period.  Temperatures on Wednesday will range from the upper 40's to lower 50's for highs.  On Thursday, temperatures will range from the lower to mid 30's for lows and mid to upper 50's for highs.  On Friday, temperatures will range from the mid to upper 30's for lows and upper 50's to lower 60's for highs.

A series of weak disturbances will keep showers a threat Saturday on through Monday.  The showers will be widely scattered but capable of heavy downpours at times.  Temperatures will range from the lower to mid 40's for lows and lower to mid 60's for highs, which is near normal for this time of year.