A hard winter edge cuts through the region this morning as wind rattles bare branches and exposed skin burns fast. Pavement looks dry in spots, but cold air lingers close to the ground, setting up slick surprises.
Pennsylvania remains under a Cold Weather Advisory through mid-morning Friday, with the Philadelphia metro squarely inside the warning zone. According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, wind chills as low as 10 degrees below zero are expected across southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and northern Delaware. The risk for frostbite rises quickly during extended outdoor exposure.
Temperatures sit in the mid-teens near sunrise, while steady west winds push “feels-like” values well below zero. Commuters may encounter flash freezing on untreated roads, bridges, and parking lots where moisture refroze after melting. SEPTA platforms, bus stops, and sidewalks feel especially harsh early.
Cold loosens its grip only slightly heading into Friday afternoon, with highs struggling to reach the upper teens. Skies stay mostly clear, but the air remains dry and biting. By Saturday, clouds increase and winds turn more variable as a developing winter system approaches from the south.
Light snow becomes possible late Saturday into Sunday, with chances increasing Sunday afternoon. While accumulations remain uncertain, even light snow could cause travel issues given cold ground temperatures. Slushy patches may refreeze quickly after sunset, increasing collision risk on I-95, I-76, and Route 422.
Beyond the weekend, temperatures slowly recover early next week, though winter stays firmly in control. Meteorologists continue tracking broader storm activity across the Mid-Atlantic, fueled by deep cold spilling out of Canada.
Five Day Outlook for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
- Today: Sunny, high near 20, dangerous wind chills
- Friday: Sunny, high near 17
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 19, slight snow chance late
- Sunday: Chance of snow, high near 23, blustery
- Monday: Sunny, high near 30
