Philadelphia

Record Temps Likely on Tap But El Nino Leaves Chance of Last Winter Blast

The Philadelphia region is getting an early taste of spring with record-temps expected Wednesday and Thursday but even with the warm temps, a volatile weather pattern leaves the possibility that winter could have one last blast.

Near record-breaking high temperatures are possible as a high pressure system remains anchored off the southeastern United States.

The NBC10 First Alert Weather Team predicted highs in the mid-70s, with slightly cooler temperatures along the coast.

"Tomorrow closer to 80 possibly," said NBC10 First Alert Weather meteorologist Sheena Parveen.

Record high temperatures could hit in Mount Pocono, Allentown, Reading and Philadelphia. Those temperatures could be 30 degrees above normal and follow Tuesday's highs in the low 70s.

The record warmth won't last but above-normal warmth should as a cold front moves through Thursday into Friday.

"We can't rule out a very early shower Friday morning," said Sheena "Once that moves through we get a north wind developing and temperatures drop into the 60s -- upper 60s -- so still above normal, the normal high is around 50 degrees."

Highs should remain in the 60s over the weekend with a chance of rain Sunday into Monday, said Sheena.

So is winter over even if the calendar doesn't say so?

"However, personally, I would not rule out -- since we are in this El Nino pattern and El Nino is responsible for big temperatures swings -- I would not rule out the chance of a cold air mass dropping down for a couple days, maybe something small moving through, accumulations would be very hard at this point but we can't rule it out.

"The better chance of us seeing snow next would be next winter."

Sheena said you can start to take delicate plants outside but be prepared to bring them inside or cover them in case El Nino brings in one last cold blast.

Stick with the NBC10 First Alert Weather Team for updates on the warm weather.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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