Allentown weather: Widespread rain possible in Lehigh Valley this week
The Lehigh Valley could finally get some much-needed rain this week after an extended period of dryness for the area.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, said showers are likely Wednesday night, followed by lower chances of rain Thursday and Friday.
Forecasters said widespread rain of up to half an inch is expected Wednesday. They said there is a 90% chance of rain then.
Thursday through Friday will be "unsettled," and showers could come both days. Forecasters noted that any rain would not be as widespread as the rain Wednesday. The weekend should be clear, with temperatures in the 50s.
The rain this week comes during a record-breaking dry period for the Lehigh Valley. Last month, only .02 inches of rain fell in the area, making it the driest month on record. This month, only .29 inches of rain have fallen so far.
The U.S Drought Monitor, which tracks and displays drought conditions throughout the country, lists both Lehigh and Northampton counties as having severe drought conditions. The state Department of Environmental Protection has placed both counties under drought watches.
Additionally, both counties have passed burn bans to limit potential fire spread during dry conditions.
Monday and Tuesday should be clear. Here is the extended forecast from the National Weather Service:
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday night: Showers. Low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Thursday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 51. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Thursday night: A chance of showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday night: A chance of showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 50.
Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.
