Why your weekend plans in central Pa. might need a rain check

Rain is on the way and it’s not in a hurry to leave, according to forecasters who are predicting sporadic showers and thunderstorms for central Pennsylvania this weekend and through next week.

Central Pa. counties affected by the rain include Cumberland, Dauphin, Lebanon, York and Lancaster. Other counties include Blair, Centre, Cambria, McKean, Snyder, Somerset, Warren, Tioga, Bedford and Lycoming, according to the National Weather Service.

After a short stretch of dry weather in central Pa., showers will kick off Friday afternoon for the Harrisburg area, National Weather Service meteorologist Joe Bauco said.

There’s a 40 to 60 percent chance of showers after 5 p.m. in Harrisburg, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 81, he said. Tonight, showers and thunderstorms are likely, especially between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Temperatures are expected to drop to around 65 overnight.

Bauco told PennLive residents monitor the forecast, as showers will come and go throughout the weekend.

“The best chance of steady rain in the Harrisburg area would be Saturday during the early afternoon and throughout the rest of the weekend there’s still going to be a 30 to 40 percent chance of rain at all times but it will be more scattered,” Bauco said.

In Harrisburg, rain is expected Saturday morning, with thunderstorms possible after 2 p.m. It’ll stay cloudy throughout the day, with highs around 76.

That could impact thousands of central Pa. protesters who are expected to participate in a series of “No Kings” rallies against the actions of Donald Trump.

Showers and storms could stick around into the night, with temperatures dipping to the low 60s. Most areas will see light rain, but heavier downpours are possible.

Sunday’s looking soggy, too, possibly impacting any outdoor Fathers Day events. Showers are likely in the afternoon, with a high around 73 and a light breeze from the east.

Rain could continue into the night, along with a possible thunderstorm. Overnight temps will stay mild, in the mid-60s.

Bauco said there will be scattered thunderstorms for Harrisburg and counties west of the capital city have a higher chance (50 to 60 percent). As the storms continue to move west the chances will increase to 80 and 90 percent, he said.

Monday’s keeping the wet streak going, with showers likely during the day and highs around 74. A few showers could linger into the night. Overnight lows will be in the mid-60s.

Rain continues to be in the forecast through Thursday.

National Weather Service predicts sporadic showers and thunderstorms for Harrisburg area, with steady rain most likely Saturday afternoon.National Weather Service (NWS)

Bauco said the National Weather Service is expecting an inch to two inches of rainfall over the next two to three days for southwestern Pa. He said 50 percent of the western Pa. will also experience those same outcomes.

NWS meteorologists are also expecting less than an inch of rain for the Harrisburg area, he said.

After this weekend, Bauco told PennLive “we’re still looking at daily chances of rain for the middle of next week, it’ll probably go into Thursday and maybe even Friday.”

Here’s the NWS forecast for Harrisburg and vicinity through the rest of the upcoming week:

Tuesday

A 40 percent chance of showers after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83.

Tuesday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Wednesday

A 50 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.

Wednesday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Juneteenth

A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.