Tornado Watch Lifted for Centre County; High Temperatures, Possible Thunderstorms in Weekend Forecast

A tornado watch for Centre County was lifted on Friday afternoon, but high temperatures and potential thunderstorms remain in the forecast for the weekend.

The tornado watch — which means weather conditions favor thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes — was originally issued until 7 p.m. for nearly three dozen counties. It remained in effect for parts of southeastern and northeastern Pennsylvania

Centre County is among nearly three dozen counties in Pennsylvania under a tornado watch until 7 p.m. on Friday, according to the National Weather Service at State College.

Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible on Friday afternoon, according to a hazardous weather outlook for Centre County issued by NWS. Locally heavy rainfall is also possible, which could result in instances of short-term flooding, especially in urban areas.

On Saturday, “very warm and humid conditions are expected,” NWS reported. Maximum heat index values — a measure of what the temperature feels like, combining air temperature and relative humidity — will be in the low- to mid-90s.

“Be mindful of heat stress impacts given limited heat exposure and acclimation this early in the year,” the NWS outlook said.

Isolated severe storms with wind damage and hail will be possible Sunday afternoon and evening.

Temperatures are forecasted to drop to highs in the low 70s for early next week.