Allentown weather: Rain expected this week in the Lehigh Valley
The Lehigh Valley could see some rain to mark the first week of fall after a largely dry month.
The National Weather Service said there is a chance of rain Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week.
A system will likely come to the area Tuesday night and continue into Wednesday. The system, which could include thunderstorms, might continue into Thursday, according to forecasters.
On Sunday, the first day of fall, forecasters said Wednesday has the highest chance of rainfall, at 60%.
The Lehigh Valley has been very dry this month. The region has recorded just under half an inch of rain for the entire month as of Sunday. The region averages 4.8 inches of rain in September, according to weather service data.
The U.S. Drought Monitor, which monitors and reports drought conditions throughout the country, reported in its latest drought map Thursday, that the Lehigh Valley is not under drought conditions. Part of southwestern Lehigh County is considered "abnormally dry," according the monitor.
Outside of rain, temperatures are expected to be cooler over the next few days. The weather service is expecting highs in the low 70s and high 60s.
Friday and Saturday should be clear, with highs in the low 70s.
Here is the extended forecast from the National Weather Service:
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 70. East wind around 5 mph.
Monday night: A slight chance of showers after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tuesday: A slight chance of showers before 8 a.m., then a slight chance of showers after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 69. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tuesday night: A chance of showers, mainly after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Wednesday: Showers likely, mainly after 2 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 67. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday night: Showers likely, mainly before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: A chance of showers before 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 73.
Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.
