It could rain on parades, parties or concerts on Independence Day, with two systems threatening to produce thunderstorms across the area.
By evening, though, the threat should fade, so fireworks seem likely to be spared, said meteorologist Dean Iovino of the National Weather Service.
Storms are by no means a sure bet, however. The official forecast pegs the odds of any precipitation at just 40 percent.
The only certainty is the heat: mid 90s today and Wednesday, upper 90s Thursday to Saturday, low 90s Sunday. Monday might finally see a high in 80s again, after 11 days of 90 or hotter.
As for the rain, lightning and possible strong gusts, "it looks like two chances," Iovino said.
First, a system over Michigan and Wisconsin this morning seems "fairly likely" to bring a line of storms through the Philadelphia area late tonight or Wednesday morning, he said.
Then a front could spawn more scattered thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon.
If they materialize, some towns could see a period of heavy rain while neighboring places just stay hot and muggy.
The good news is that no prolonged steady showers are in the forecast.
So far, the summer has had a somewhat typical amount of rain, but hasn't erased a deficit left over from winter and spring, Iovino said.
For more on the forecast, go to http://go.philly.com/weather.
