Volatile weather: Strong winds, maybe thunderstorms

The warm weather isn't going to end peacefully.

After periods of light rain this morning, temperatures might reach the upper 50s, before a cold front starts coming through, possibly triggering late afternoon thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.

"Behind the cold front, it's going to get windy," said meteorologist Larry Nierenberg.

Gusts could reach 45 m.p.h. between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m., according to a weather service advisory.

"Certainly those kind of winds can knock down tree limbs, some weaker trees, and send trash cans into neighbors' yards," Nierenberg said.

The winds, though, shouldn't be powerful enough to prompt sterner alerts, like a high wind watch or warning.

If thunderstorms do form, they're mostly likely kick up south of Philadelphia, he said.

They can, of course, produce their own short-lived bursts of wind, as well as quick hits of heavy rain.

But with cooler temperatures and early sunsets, thunderstorms this time of year have trouble forming and lasting, Nierenberg said.

"If this was May, we'd have a better shot at severe weather," he said.

More volatility can be expected as the weather pattern shifts from winter to spring, he said.

Some breeziness will continue Saturday as more normal temperatures return for the weekend, with highs both days in the 40s and lows around 30.

Highs in the 50s are expected Monday through Thursday with a chance of showers Wednesday and Wednesday night.

For more on the forecast, go to http://go.philly.com/weather.