The Lehigh Valley could get some much-needed rain later this week while temperatures reach the lower 50s.

The region could get up to an inch and a half or rain when a strong system comes to the area Thursday into Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey.

Rain could be moderate to heavy at times, and there could be flooding in urban areas or areas with poor drainage, forecasters said. Additionally, wind gusts between 35 and 45 mph are possible Friday. Forecasters said that even with recent snowpack, flooding in creeks or rivers is not expected.

Temperatures also are going to be higher than earlier this week. Highs stayed in the 20s and 30s over the past few days, but are expected to reach into the 40s and 50s as the week goes on. Forecasters are predicting a high of 53 Friday in the Lehigh Valley, before temperatures again begin to drop.

The expected rain comes during a prolonged dry period for the region. Rainfall totals have been below normal the past few months, and most of the Lehigh Valley is under moderate or severe drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Both Lehigh and Northampton counties are under a drought watch, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. Rainfall for both counties has been about 8 inches below normal for the past six months, weather service data states.

Warmer today with temperatures getting into the 40s. Our attention turns toward a system moving through Thursday Night into Friday bringing a widespread soaking rain and gusty winds. #NJwx #MDwx #DEwx #PAwx pic.twitter.com/NbryhRn9hQ

— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) December 17, 2025

Rain is not in the immediate forecast after Friday. The rest of the weekend should be sunny with highs in the 30s or 40s.

Here is the extended forecast from the National Weather Service:

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday: Rain likely before 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph becoming west in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 39.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 37.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39.