Much Needed Rain Possible for This Week

So far this year, rainfall deficits in our region run between five and nine inches, which generally means that we've seen about two-thirds of what is considered "normal" rainfall.

While we don't need or want a repeat of last August and September around here, lawns and gardens wouldn't mind a bit more rainfall. Last week's bouts of rain definitely helped. More is on the way this week.

Thunderstorm chances are in the forecast for late Monday and again on Tuesday as a frontal boundary out to our west crosses the region over those two days.

Thunderstorms will be scattered so not everyone will see rainfall; however, because of increased instability in the atmosphere we'll see the potential for some strong or severe storms in parts of the region.

The first front departs, giving us what looks to be a nice Wednesday before a second front pushes in from the west for Thursday night and early Friday. The second front will bring another round of thunderstorms to the region and again, some of those will be strong if not severe.

There could be a third front on Saturday night and early Sunday with another chance of storms. Computer modeling is less in agreement about this third chance, with one of the models suggesting the threat is more Sunday night into Monday. In any case, the chance is there for Saturday night.

Temperatures will bounce around between the mid-80s and 90s, hottest on Tuesday with the front closest to the region. While a heat wave doesn't look likely this week, it will be warm and we will probably add a couple of additional 90 degree days to the tally this year!

Tom Thunstrom is the editor and publisher of Phillyweather.net. You can also follow Phillyweather.net on twitter @phillywx or on Facebook.