Pennsylvania starts the day with a cold, dim sky hanging over Philadelphia as a light breeze ripples across wet pavement. The air feels brisk and unsettled—an early hint of the December Weather Alert now taking shape for Tuesday, when a stronger coastal system is expected to bring rain, snow, and tricky travel across the metro area.
According to the National Weather Service, rain increases this afternoon with highs near the upper 40s. Winds pick up later, helping usher in colder, drier air by Monday. That shift sets the stage for Tuesday’s system, which models show arriving with a rain-to-snow changeover from late morning into evening. Colder pockets north and west of the city—from Montgomery to Bucks County—may see up to one inch of wet snow, while Philadelphia likely sees rain first before any flakes mix in.
Travelers should watch for slushy spots on Route 309, I-95, and the Schuylkill Expressway during heavier bursts. Even a light coating may reduce visibility and create slick patches on bridges and ramps. Keep winter layers close; temperatures fall into the upper 20s by Tuesday night, raising flash-freeze concerns on untreated surfaces if slush lingers.
To be fair, confidence in exact totals remains low, but the pattern shows classic early-December signals: a quick temperature drop, moisture surging north, and colder air catching up just in time to tease the region with its first wintry episode.
Midweek turns brighter and colder, making Wednesday a good day for holiday decorating or errands before more unsettled weather returns late week.
Five-Day Outlook
Today: Rain likely; high 48.
Monday: Sunny; high 43.
Tuesday: Rain/snow mix then rain; up to 1″ north/west of city.
Wednesday: Sunny; high 39.
Thursday: Partly sunny; high 43.
