BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Sticky, wet and excessively hot weather has been predicted for the Lehigh Valley from Thursday afternoon into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service at Mt. Holly, New Jersey.
The locally based EPAWA Weather Consulting concurs, saying Thursday afternoon will see "very hot and humid conditions with highs in the low-to-mid 90s and heat index values near 100 degrees."
- Showers and thunderstorms are expected to start Thursday afternoon
- Friday will be oppressively hot
- Rain comes back Friday night
- The heat breaks on Saturday night
The afternoon will be partly cloudy, then scattered thunderstorms — some of which could be strong with gusty winds, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall — move into our region, it said.
"Oppressive" heat is expected Friday, with heat index values in the 100-105-degree range.
Relief is forecast to come Saturday night, when a cold front is expected to move into the area, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms beginning Saturday afternoon, EPAWA said.
Lower temperatures and humidity are expected to follow on Sunday, it said.
The National Weather Service said up to half inch of rain could fall Thursday evening, with more on Friday.
A 60-percent chance of showers predicted after 5 p.m. Saturday will usher in lower temperatures and humidity for Sunday, it said.
Monday and Tuesday will be mostly sunny days with continued comfortable temps and humidity levels, followed by a partly cloudy day on Wednesday.EPAWA Weather Consulting LLC website forecast
As for next week, "Monday and Tuesday will be mostly sunny days with continued comfortable temps and humidity levels, followed by a partly cloudy day on Wednesday," EPAWA said.
