Mount Holly, New Jersey – A freezing rain threat is developing across parts of eastern Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, and the Delaware Valley Tuesday night as a warm front pushes into the region, bringing the potential for slick travel conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Philadelphia/Mount Holly, light precipitation will spread across the area late Tuesday afternoon into the evening. While much of the region will see plain rain, colder surface temperatures in northern and interior locations may allow precipitation to fall as freezing rain or freezing drizzle.
Forecast guidance shows a 30% to 50% probability of at least 0.01 inches of ice across parts of eastern Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey. The highest chances are expected near and north of Interstate 78, including areas around Allentown, Reading, and portions of northwest New Jersey. Probabilities decrease farther south, with the Philadelphia metro area seeing a 10% chance or less, though isolated slick spots remain possible.
The greatest risk window is between 7 p.m. Tuesday and 1 a.m. Wednesday, when surface temperatures are expected to remain at or below freezing in colder valleys and elevated terrain. Even a light glaze of ice can create hazardous conditions, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads.
Roadways potentially impacted include I-78, I-80, I-287, I-295, I-95, and connecting state routes. Travel conditions may deteriorate quickly during periods of freezing drizzle, especially during the late evening and overnight hours.
The National Weather Service urges motorists to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and be alert for changing conditions. Pedestrians should also use caution on sidewalks and steps, which may become icy with little warning.
Conditions are expected to improve early Wednesday morning as temperatures rise above freezing and precipitation transitions fully to rain.
