Maybe Punxsutawney was right.
One day after Pennsylvania's most famous rodent predicted an early spring, we're headed for near-record temperatures today.
Many forecasts believe we'll surpass the record high of 62, which was set back in 2006.
So much for the good news.
The warm weather is going to be accompanied by a day-long rain, including some heavy downpours later this afternoon and tonight.
Coupled with melting snow from our recent blizzard, flooding is likely.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the entire region from noon until 5 p.m. Thursday. That could mean problems for the usual trouble spots, including Darby Borough, and areas along Chester Creek.
The city of Chester already has issued a warning to residents along Chester Creek that they may need to evacuate their homes.
The city put out an advisory warning residents of Parker Manor to be prepared to evacuate, move motor vehicles as far away from Chester Creek as possible and find shelter with family or friends until the threat has passed.
Residents with questions are asked to call the Chester Fire Department, Station 81, at 610-447-7844, or Station 82 at 610-447-7842.
In the meantime, AccuWeather's extended forecast is calling for the possibility of cold and snow extending into early March, but then a quick warm-up.
Here's what they have to say:
AccuWeather reports Punxsutawney Phil failed to see his shadow on Feb. 2, 2016, indicating an early start to spring for the United States. The decision marks only the 18th time Pennsylvania's most famous groundhog hasn't seen his shadow since the tradition began in 1887.
For the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, AccuWeather meteorologists are concerned for just the opposite, as cold air and the potential for snow will linger into the start of March. Elsewhere, springlike severe weather isn't predicted to become widespread until April.
Cold air and snow possible for mid-Atlantic, Northeast into March; Drought may develop for Great Lakes, Ohio Valley
Warm weather lovers in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast will have to be patient, as winter plans to linger into March across both regions.
Cold air and stormy weather will take the stage from late February into the start of March, opening the door for a potential late-winter snowstorm.
"There could be a last surge of winter before we see the transition into spring," AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said. "For the Northeast, there's still an opportunity for some snow, although there's a higher chance that we'll see a cold snap rather than a big snowstorm."
A quick warmup will follow, however, allowing milder air to arrive faster than it has in the past two years for both regions.
"A lack of arctic air in the region and the sun getting higher and higher in the sky will make it feel pretty nice, I think, by mid-March in the Northeast," Pastelok said.
Through April, the weather pattern will lend itself to the occasional damp and dreary day before a turnaround in May.
May could also yield drought concerns for the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley, prompting some early season heat. During the same month, the threat for severe weather will loom for the mid-Atlantic.
For the complete local forecast, click here.
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