Flood watch issued for Philadelphia region from Friday night to Saturday, a rare occurrence in recent times.

Drought advisories that have characterized the region are poised to change with the arrival of significant rainfall expected this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the area, effective from 7 p.m. Friday until 8 a.m. Saturday. Forecasts predict rainfall accumulation could reach as much as 3 inches in some areas, raising concerns about potential flooding.

Meteorologists anticipate the majority of this rainfall will occur on Friday night, according to John Feerick, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather. Furthermore, forecasters are monitoring the possibility of severe thunderstorms in the area on Friday afternoon, as atmospheric conditions appear conducive to instability. Patrick O’Hara, a meteorologist from the Mount Holly office, noted that sunny intervals may contribute to this instability, enhancing the chances for severe weather.

While flood warnings often center on total rainfall amounts, experts highlight that the rate of rainfall will be a significant factor in determining flood risk. For the month, the region has recorded around 5.3 inches of rain, surpassing the average of just over 3 inches. This uptick positions this month as potentially the wettest since March 2024. However, meteorologists point out that the rainfall has mostly fallen in an intermittent manner rather than as a continuous deluge.

Minor flooding is anticipated along the Delaware River, particularly in the Burlington and 30th Street areas, as forecast models predict elevated water levels. However, the recent forecast for Trenton indicates low flood risk, with river levels expected to peak at about 11 feet—well below the flood stage of 20 feet. Similarly, the Brandywine Creek near Chadds Ford is projected to remain below flood stage, further mitigating severe flood concerns.

Despite the uptick in rainfall, drought advisories remain in effect for many areas due to lingering effects from a dry autumn last year. Rainfall levels over the past year have been 20% to 25% below long-term averages, as reported by the Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center. In New Jersey, state officials have confirmed that stream flows across the state remain below average, prompting ongoing calls for water conservation.

In Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia area currently operates under a drought watch despite the forecasted rainfall. The U.S. Drought Monitor highlights that many neighboring counties in Pennsylvania still experience conditions classified as “abnormally dry,” with portions of Chester and Montgomery Counties facing moderate drought conditions. While the rainfall anticipated this weekend may bring temporary relief, experts suggest that the drought’s long-term impacts remain a concern.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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