Just as this week's heatwave comes to an end, the Philadelphia area is getting hit with rain showers and thunderstorms as we head into the holiday weekend.
Rainfall started late Wednesday evening and the National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch Thursday morning from 2 p.m. Thursday through 8 a.m. Friday.
Officials say residents should monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action if a warning is issued.
RELATED: Heat advisory issued in anticipation of hot, humid weather across Philly region this week
The NWS issued a severe thunderstorm watch Thursday afternoon as well until 8 p.m. Thursday night.
Rainy weather is expected to continue through Friday and most of Saturday, with lower temperatures and a chance of thunderstorms.
The weather is forecast to clear up and bring sunny weather in time for the Fourth of July in the region.
Depending on where you plan to spend your holiday weekend, the weather could vary, the NWS says. Here's a look at the next few days in Philadelphia, southern portions of Jersey Shore and the Poconos:
PHILADELPHIA
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. Storms could become severe with damaging winds and heavy rainfall. High temperature of 77 degrees, and the low is 66 degrees.
Friday: Chance of showers and thunderstorms in the early morning and afternoon. Temperatures could reach a high of 80 and a low of 61. It will remain cloudy throughout the day.
Saturday: There is a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. It will be partly sunny with a high near 74 and a low of 60.
Sunday, Fourth of July: Sunny; high of 80 and a low of 61.
Monday: Mostly sunny weather with a high of 87 degrees and a low of 66 degrees.
JERSEY SHORE
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms – some severe – with damaging winds and heavy rain. High temperature of 83 and a low of 70 degrees.
Friday: Rain and thunderstorms likely before 11 a.m. Skies will be mostly cloudy; high near 79 and a low of 65.
Saturday: There is a 50% chance of showers with thunderstorms possible after 2 p.m., though it will become partly sunny with a high of 77 and a low of 63.
Sunday, Fourth of July: Sunny; high near 80 degrees and a low of 67 degrees. Partly cloudy weather rolls in later in the evening.
Monday: Mostly sunny; high of 84 degrees and a low of 71 degrees.
POCONOS
Thursday: Heavy rainfall and possibly thunderstorms are forecast. Temperatures reaching high near 75 degrees and a low of 61 degrees.
Friday: Chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning and cloudy weather throughout the day. High of 74 and a low of 56 degrees.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, though it should be partly sunny. High temperature near 69 and a low around 55.
Sunday, Fourth of July: Mostly sunny with a high temperature near 77 degrees and lows near 56 degrees.
Monday: Sunny; high of 83 degrees and a low of 63 degrees.
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