Residents across the Delmarva Peninsula should remain weather-aware today as another round of potentially severe thunderstorms is expected to develop late this afternoon and continue into the evening hours.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed the entire Delmarva region under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe thunderstorms, signaling the potential for scattered storms capable of producing damaging weather.
A cold front approaching from the west, combined with increasing influence from an upper-level disturbance, will provide the ingredients needed for thunderstorm development. While not everyone will see storms, those that do form could quickly become strong to severe.
Note that one of the biggest uncertainties today is storm coverage. A localized area of sinking air aloft may temporarily suppress thunderstorm development across portions of southeastern Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia metro area, and southern New Jersey. However, areas farther north and south of that corridor, including much of Delmarva, could see stronger storm development where instability is able to build.
The primary concern will once again be damaging straight-line winds, fueled by very hot temperatures, abundant low-level moisture, and an atmosphere favorable for powerful downbursts. Some wind gusts could exceed 60 mph, capable of bringing down trees, power lines, and causing localized damage.
An isolated instance of small hail cannot be ruled out, but the overall threat for large hail remains low. Likewise, atmospheric conditions are not particularly favorable for tornado development, making that risk minimal.
Temperatures climbing into the 90s will help fuel strong instability through the afternoon before thunderstorms begin to develop. Some storms may organize into clusters and race eastward across the peninsula through the early evening before gradually weakening after sunset.
Residents are encouraged to closely monitor the latest forecasts throughout the day and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued for your location, move indoors immediately and stay away from windows until the storm passes.
