Much-needed rain and warmer temperatures are expected this weekend in the Lehigh Valley.<\/p>\n
Up to an inch and a half of rain could fall Friday through Saturday as a series of systems impact the area, according to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey.<\/p>\n
Additionally, temperatures are expected to be in the low 50s, much higher than normal for this time of year.<\/p>\n
Forecasters said rain should begin late Friday afternoon and last into that night. The early part of the day should be dry.<\/p>\n
Rain and warm air should come to the region Saturday through that night, according to forecasters. Heavier rain could happen, and there may be a rumble of thunder, however severe weather is not expected.<\/p>\n
Sunday should be clear, with a high of 48.<\/p>\n
Morning clouds will give way to a sunny and warm Thursday before rain arrives Friday afternoon\/evening \u2013 Saturday. Around 0.5″ to 1.5″ of rain is expected through Saturday night. Cloudy and cool again Sunday with a stray shower possible. pic.twitter.com\/GRplo5V5W9<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) January 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The rain comes during a relatively dry period for the Lehigh Valley. Rainfall has been below normal the past few months, and both Lehigh and Northampton counties have drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.<\/a> Rainfall has been about 9 inches below normal the past six months, according to weather service data.<\/p>\n Forecasters said no significant weather event is expected over the next week after the weekend rainfall. Here is the extended forecast from the National Weather Service:<\/p>\n Friday: Rain likely after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a 10th of an inch possible.<\/p>\n Friday night: A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 45. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts of less than a 10th of an inch possible.<\/p>\n Saturday: Rain. High near 51. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.<\/p>\n Saturday night: Rain, mainly before 1 a.m. Low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.<\/p>\n Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 48.<\/p>\n Monday: Sunny, with a high near 40.<\/p>\n Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.<\/p>\n Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45.<\/p>\n \t\t\t