Philadelphia Weather: Storms Possible Sunday Along and North of I-20
Philadelphia weather for Sunday points to scattered storms late in the afternoon and evening for areas along and north of I-20 in Alabama. The main concerns are damaging winds up to 60 mph, frequent lightning and heavy rain, with storms most likely to form in northwest Alabama between 2 p.m. CDT and 7 p.m. CDT.
Sunday morning stayed mostly dry after isolated showers, but a cold front diving southeast into Alabama is expected to change that pattern later in the day. The Storm Prediction Center placed northern Cullman, northern Blount, Etowah and Cherokee counties in a slight risk, while areas along and north of I-20 and I-22 were placed in a marginal risk.
North Alabama Storm Window
The strongest signal in the forecast is the afternoon and evening window. Storms that develop are expected to push southeast and weaken after sunset, which limits the timing but still leaves a period when outdoor plans and travel could run into lightning, wind and brief downpours.
That risk is not spread evenly across the state. The slight risk zone covers northern Cullman, northern Blount, Etowah and Cherokee counties, while the broader marginal risk stretches along and north of I-20 and I-22.
Cold Front Across Alabama
Monday and Tuesday turn cooler, with highs in the lower 80s as the cold front stalls across Alabama. Rain is expected to return both days, and the greatest chance for heavy rainfall and isolated flooding is likely south of I-20 Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon.
North of I-20, rainfall totals are expected to stay lighter, with a quarter of an inch to a half inch through Tuesday. South of I-20, 1-2 inches of rain remain possible before rainy weather moves into south Alabama Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Sunday Heat Before Storms
The same forecast also calls for humidity to remain high, with temperatures reaching the lower 90s and heat index values approaching 100°F-102°F. Westerly winds of 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph, should keep conditions breezy before storms arrive later in the day.
For anyone planning time outdoors along and north of I-20, the practical move is to watch the 2 p.m. CDT to 7 p.m. CDT window closely and be ready to bring activities inside when storms approach. The busiest storm period is short, but the hazards line up fast once cells start forming.
