Severe Weather Threat In PA Wednesday: Storms, 'Code Orange' Air

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Severe storms are possible Wednesday, in addition to intense heat and poor air quality in the Philadelphia region.

The National Weather Service has issued a "code orange" air quality alert in the Philadelphia metro region for Wednesday. A severe thunderstorm watch is also in place through 10 p.m.

A code orange air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for some, including children, the elderly, and those with asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases. "The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors," the air quality alert notes.

Thunderstorms and hail are also possible ahead of a cold front. Storms "could become severe later today over the Northeast," forecasters with the National Weather Service said.

Here are the areas most likely to see severe storms:

As for the storm timing: There is a 30 percent chance of storms this afternoon, mainly after 3 p.m.

Then tonight, the likelihood of severe weather increases. There is a 60 percent chance of storms Wednesday night. Some of the storms could produce small hail and gusty winds, the National Weather Service warns.

According to The Weather Channel, storms are most likely to move over the Philadelphia region between 8 p.m. and midnight.

It will also be hot, with high temperatures approaching the 90s. Cooler air is expected to return Thursday.

Things will clear for Thursday, with more rain possible Friday. As of now, the holiday weekend forecast isn't looking bad, with plenty of sun in store for Memorial Day.

Here is the local forecast:

Today: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 1 a.m., then a slight chance of showers between 1 and 2 a.m. Some of the storms could produce small hail and gusty winds. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. North wind around 5 mph.

Friday: Rain, mainly after 2 p.m. High near 65. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday Night: Rain, mainly before 2 a.m. Low around 49. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday: A chance of rain before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 68.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Memorial Day: Sunny, with a high near 75.