The model runs done at 2 AM (06 UTC) show some large changes in the forecast.

I’ve put the posts earlier this week under the title “Forecast Uncertainty” because there’s been a disconnect between the GFS model (and also the Canadian model) and the higher resolution models (NAM, NAMNEST, HIRESW, and HIREF.)

Last night, the higher resolution models changed their tune.

In essence, they now lean towards the GFS model which has been most consistent about having most of the energy move to our far north and east earlier in the afternoon, with a second line moving mostly to our south.

The earlier line looks to stay north of Trenton.

The immediate PHL area will get some thunderstorms, but they don’t look to be too severe. Most likely timing is 5-6 PM. 

This morning’s most recent HRRR also has become less impressive with the storms in our area.

Could things change again with this morning’s models?  Yes.  But what had looked to be a very stormy 8 hours now appears to be run of the mill late afternoon thunderstorms.

It’s always more prudent for a forecaster to maintain a forecast that’s more dire, “just in case”, but you’re here to get the real scoop, not the hype.

[su_note note_color=”#ffffff”]Updated Sun 09:44 AM — Latest HRRR keeps the sunshine to just west of the Delaware by 3 PM.  The clouds hang tough east of that line.

However, the experimental FV3-SAR has more extensive clearing and sunshine. [/su_note]

The forecast for Sunday hasn’t changed appreciably from what had been posted Friday evening.    High pressure noses down from the northeast as an upper level ridge begins to build in.

The northeast flow from the high will bring us cloudiness and somewhat chilly temps for this time in May.

The high resolution models (NAM NEST and ARW MEM2) have some clearing after noontime.  The experimental SAR model has considerable clearing during the early afternoon.  The model blend (NBM) is more pessimistic about the cloud cover.

Sunday —

• Low clouds in the morning
• Clouds lift late morning and break for a mix of sun and clouds  into the evening.
• Winds NE 10 mph with gusts to 18.  Gusts diminish in the afternoon.
• High Temp 65.3º sd 3.3º (higher than average spread!)

A similar forecast for Monday… warmer in the mid 70s.