So Much For Spring

From morning temperatures around 70 degrees in many parts of the Delaware Valley to sleet mixing in with rain during the early afternoon in the northern and western suburbs...a six hour swing of temperatures that was rather wild and an abrupt reminder that Spring doesn't arrive easily and permanently.   Temperatures in Philadelphia dropped about 20 degrees from 6 AM to Noon today, hitting the upper 40's before settling in the mid 40's late in the afternoon.  

Round one of the stormy weather today came in the predawn or dawn hours -- generally impacting Chester County with gusty winds that were as high as 65 mph before the first band of rain and wind weakened as it hit Philadelphia.   A second round of wind and rain developed around 8 AM across Central Pennsylvania and Maryland, marching east and crossing the Philadelphia area around 10 AM (see below).   This second line was the main front and meant business, dropping temperatures 15 degrees between 10 and 11 AM in Philadelphia and similar levels elsewhere.   In addition to gusty winds, a quick shot of heavy rain accompanied the frontal boundary passage as well.   Winds gusted to 56 mph in Philadelphia and 55 mph in Wilmington with the front as it crossed through.

Now that "calmer" weather has moved in, expect a return to more typical April temperatures tomorrow with highs generally in the 50's.  Unfortunately, calmer doesn't mean tons of sunshine...the coming days will feature a battle between southern warmth and northern chill as a frontal boundary lingers across the Mid Atlantic.