A substantial storm system currently taking shape across the mid-Atlantic States will rapidly intensify as it zips northeastward into eastern Canada tonight. The system will bring periods of moderate-to-heavy rain to northern MD, southeastern PA and the Lower Susquehanna Valley this afternoon. The rain will taper off from southwest-to-northeast between 5-10 PM this evening. Most areas will receive 1-2" of largely beneficial rain with up to 3" in the hardest-hit locations. Motorists are advised to reduce speed and be alert for standing water on roadways, as well as flooding of low-lying and poor-drainage areas. However, stream- and river flooding will not occur due to the ongoing, moderate-to-severe drought. A cold front extending southwestward from the low pressure system will move through the eastern half of the Commonwealth this afternoon, and temperatures will fall rapidly in its wake. In fact, they should only be in the upper 30s to low 40s by 7 PM. Behind the front, skies will gradually clear overnight, and west-to-northwesterly winds of 12-25 mph with gusts up to 35-40 mph will usher even colder air into the region on Thursday. In stark contrast to today, highs will be around 5-10 degrees below average Thursday afternoon, or generally in the mid 30s, with wind chills in the 20s despite partly-to-mostly sunny skies. A Canadian high pressure system will then settle into the Commonwealth from Thursday night into Friday and promote a continuation of mainly clear and unseasonably cold conditions. Fortunately, winds will subside late Thursday afternoon and remain light on Friday, so it won't feel as harsh outside.

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This afternoon:   Cloudy, breezy, and warm with periods of rain, some heavy at times.
                  High: 58-62↓
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Tonight:          Rain ending early; otherwise, brisk and colder with clearing skies.
                  Low: 28-32
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Thursday:         Partly sunny, blustery, and cold.
                  High: 34-38
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Thursday Night:   Mainly clear and very cold.
                  Low: 18-22
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Friday:           Cold with sunshine and a few clouds.
                  High: 34-38
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         Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 11:47 AM.
           by:  Meteorologist Kyle Elliott