Showers and thunderstorms are in the Philly region’s weather forecast

Pack an umbrella when you leave the house today.

Downpours ranging in severity from small showers to severe thunderstorms are anticipated into this evening across Pennsylvania, according to the National Weather Service Office in Mount Holly.

In Philly, a severe-thunderstorm watch is in effect until 9 p.m. Monday, and a flood watch until 11:59 p.m. But the rain got a head start in Allentown and North Hampton, where a severe thunderstorm warning was in effect during the morning commute. It’s a preview of things to come as the conditions spread, meteorologists said.

“We’re expecting scattered showers and thunderstorms to develop any time between now and throughout the rest of the day,” said Lee Robertson, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service Office in Mount Holly.

Severe storms are most likely to kick off within Philly region between 2 p.m. and midnight.

Robertson said the key time block to watch is from 4 to 8 p.m. — falling smack dab in the middle of traditional after-work commuting hours. He said conditions could include strong thunderstorms, potentially leading to flooding, damaging winds, and hail.

“There’s a small chance of a possible tornado during that window,” he added.

Rainfall throughout the Philly region has been on the rise, but most of Pennsylvania still remains in a state of “moderate drought” according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor survey. Robertson said any rain counts.

“Any rainfall is going to help the deficit,” he said. “We’re still several inches below normal compared to last year.”