Duo of Cool Fronts Will Support Development of Storms for Millions

Repeated rounds of heavy rain and severe storms are forecast to come to life in a zone from the Midwest and the East Coast through the weekend. Read on for more details about the timing and predicted intensity of the stormy conditions.

Widespread Rain Showers and Thunderstorms Beginning Thursday for Eastern U.S.

It could be a rough weekend for football games and other outdoor activities. A pair of cool fronts will be responsible for periodic rain showers and thunderstorms beginning Thursday and persisting into the weekend. The arrival of the bursts of cool air will clash with the warm and humid air circulating ahead of the fronts to support the development of thunderstorms. Potential impacts of these storms include high winds, heavy rain, and hail.

The first action will fire up late Thursday as a mass of warm and moisture-rich air pushes to the north across the eastern half of the country. The highest concentration of storms will center on the swath of land from West Virginia and the western portions of Virginia to the south. Wind gusts could hit speeds of 70 mph in the hardest-hit areas.

The populated Interstate 95 corridor will see the storms creep into the region by Thursday night. It could be a rocky time in Philadelphia as the Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys in the first NFL regular-season game of the year. Forecasters are warning that lightning in the area could disrupt the tailgating festivities or delay the game.

The forecast for the City of Brotherly Love is calling for the chance of a stray rain shower or thunderstorm during the late afternoon and evening hours. The threat of rain will increase just in time for the 8:20 pm kickoff. About a quarter of an inch of rain is on tap. Temperatures will remain warm with a high in the mid 80s and lows that bottom out at about 66 degrees.

Friday's Forecast Will be Influenced by Second Front