DELMARVA - A warm, unsettled pattern will dominate the forecast from early Friday morning through early Sunday, bringing multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms to Sussex County. A warm front will lift through the area during the early morning hours, potentially sparking light showers as it passes. By late morning and into the afternoon, a surge of warmer air will bring highs into the 80s and fuel more instability. Although forcing mechanisms will remain weak, the environment will be supportive of scattered to widespread showers and a few thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon hours. Rainfall will generally be light to moderate, but brief downpours may occur. Severe weather is not expected, and the overall storm threat remains low.
As night falls Friday, shower activity should gradually taper off with the loss of daytime heating. However, a few light sprinkles may linger through the night under mostly cloudy skies. Lows will remain mild in the low to mid-60s.
Saturday:
Saturday poses a greater risk for stronger storms. A more vigorous system will move in from the Great Lakes, sending a cold front toward the region by late in the day. Ahead of the front, temperatures will again climb into the 80s under humid conditions. Increasing instability — with values around 1000 J/kg — combined with stronger upper-level winds, will support the development of more organized showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.
Some of these storms could produce damaging wind gusts and heavy downpours. While there is still uncertainty regarding the exact timing and severity, residents should stay alert to the potential for localized flooding or brief strong storms. As the front passes Saturday night, storm coverage will diminish into the early hours of Sunday morning.
Sunday Morning:
Behind the front, drier air will begin to filter in. Showers and storms should be ending early, with clearing skies expected later in the morning. Gusty winds may develop behind the front, especially near the coast, but overall conditions will improve as the day progresses.