Pennsylvania – Wind rattles windows, loose snow skitters across pavement, and the cold bites fast this morning across eastern Pennsylvania. Gusts push against cars on elevated roadways while wet spots freeze hard within minutes, setting up a hazardous start for drivers and pedestrians.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, an Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until noon Sunday for southeastern Pennsylvania and much of New Jersey. Wind Advisories continue through late evening, with northwest winds gusting up to 55 mph. Wind chills drop as low as 15 degrees below zero, cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in under 30 minutes.
In Philadelphia, brief snow bursts early reduced visibility to near one mile in spots. Even light snow creates problems once temperatures plunge into the teens. I-95, the Schuylkill Expressway, and area bridges cool fastest. Plan extra braking distance and expect slick ramps through midday. Untreated sidewalks and bus stops may glaze quickly as snow melts, then refreezes.
Conditions stay harsh into tonight. Skies clear, winds ease slightly, and temperatures fall toward 5 degrees in the city. Cold air lingers Sunday with sunshine offering little relief. Highs struggle near 20 degrees, and wind chills remain near zero at times.
Attention then shifts to early next week. By Monday, temperatures rebound toward the upper 20s with lighter winds. Midweek brings a gradual thaw, with highs climbing into the mid to upper 30s and even low 40s by Wednesday. With the Great Lakes heavily frozen, cold air sources remain nearby, but longer-range signals point to above-normal temperatures later next week.
Limit time outdoors today, secure loose items, and check on neighbors without reliable heat. Traveling this morning? Tell us what road conditions look like where you are.
Five-Day Outlook for Philadelphia, PA
- Today: Mostly sunny, very windy; high near 15°F
- Tonight: Mostly clear, bitter cold; low near 5°F
- Sunday: Sunny and cold; high near 19°F
- Monday: Mostly sunny; high near 28°F
- Tuesday: Partly sunny; high near 36°F
