BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Days after the area saw record rainfall, another round of widespread showers and storms is expected this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
The Allentown area recorded 1.88 inches of rain Thursday, the weather service said, besting the old record of 1.86 inches from Sept. 4, 1988.
It was more rainfall than the area saw the entire month of August, and the first substantial rainfall for the area since 1.03 inches fell July 1.
August saw just 1.60 inches in total, sending the region closer to abnormally dry status, the lowest designation from the U.S. Drought Monitor.National Weather Service
August saw just 1.60 inches in total, sending the region closer to abnormally dry status, the lowest designation from the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The weather service said Thursday’s rainfall came in a narrow corridor across the Lehigh Valley into northern New Jersey. Up to 3 inches of rain fell in some spots, with minimal amounts further south and east.
In Lehigh County, Fountain Hill saw 2.90 inches, while Bethlehem had 2.82 inches.
In Northampton County, Easton was tops with 2.65 inches of rain.
Saturday brings storm risks
Ahead of a cold front Saturday, widespread storms are forecast to develop as the front pushes east, the weather service said in an update Friday afternoon.
The Storm Prediction Center has the Lehigh Valley at a slight risk (2 out of 5) of severe weather.
Damaging winds will be the main threat, and some hail also is possible. A tornado cannot be ruled out, but conditions should greatly limit potential, forecasters said.
A widespread half-inch to inch of rain is possible across the area Saturday afternoon and evening.
Temperatures will drop into the mid 50s to low 60s Saturday night, the weather service said, with scattered showers likely lingering in some areas into the nighttime period.
Sunday will be much cooler, with highs struggling to climb into the 70s, with clouds slow to clear out as the day progresses.
