Pennsylvania – Cold air presses into the Delaware Valley this morning, and dry pavement feels deceptively safe. That calm is expected to break hard this weekend as a high-impact winter storm takes shape across eastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware.
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday evening through Monday afternoon for Philadelphia, surrounding suburbs, and nearby parts of Delaware and South Jersey. According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, heavy snow is likely, with periods of sleet or freezing rain possible on Sunday as warmer air briefly pushes aloft.
Today stays quiet, with sunshine mixing with passing clouds and highs reaching the mid-40s. That mild feel fades quickly Friday night. Temperatures drop into the single digits and teens, locking cold air in place ahead of the storm. By Saturday afternoon, clouds thicken and conditions deteriorate fast.
Snow is expected to develop Saturday night and intensify overnight. Snowfall could become heavy at times, reducing visibility and quickly covering roads. Travel along I-95, I-76, I-276, and the New Jersey Turnpike may become difficult or dangerous. Winds remain modest, but snow-covered surfaces will limit traction.
Sunday brings the highest impact window. Snow may mix with sleet or freezing rain, especially south and east of Philadelphia. That mix raises the risk for icy roads, power disruptions, and tree damage. Flash freezing is possible if temperatures fall after any brief mixing.
Snow and icy precipitation may linger into early Monday before tapering. Morning travel could remain hazardous as untreated surfaces refreeze. Officials urge residents to complete preparations early, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates closely.
Looking ahead, cold air holds into midweek. Additional storm chances remain possible as an active pattern persists across the eastern U.S.
Traveling this weekend? Share what you’re seeing on the roads across the region.
Five-Day Outlook for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Friday: Partly sunny, high near 41°F
- Saturday: Increasing clouds, snow developing late, high near 20°F
- Sunday: Snow with wintry mix possible, high near 25°F
- Monday: Chance of snow early, colder, high near 26°F
- Tuesday: Sunny and cold, high near 24°F
