Pennsylvania feels winter snap sharply into place as stiff winds rattle bare branches and dry air burns the lungs. The calm of early morning will not last. A fast-moving Arctic front sweeps across southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, bringing snow, powerful winds, and dangerous cold into the Philadelphia region.
Light snow develops later today and continues into Saturday morning. Accumulations remain modest, generally under an inch, but visibility drops quickly during bursts of snow. Gusty northwest winds strengthen through the day, reaching 40 to 55 mph at times. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory and an Extreme Cold Warning for much of the region, including Philadelphia, Camden, Trenton, Norristown, Doylestown, and Cherry Hill.
By Saturday afternoon, temperatures slide into the teens and lower 20s. Winds drive felt temperatures sharply lower. Wind chills plunge to 15 to 20 degrees below zero Saturday night into early Sunday. Frostbite becomes a real risk on exposed skin in less than 30 minutes. Travel stays possible, but conditions turn punishing, especially on exposed roadways like I-95, I-76, the Schuylkill Expressway, and the Commodore Barry Bridge.
Snow tapers off Saturday, but hazards linger. Any melting during daylight freezes hard after sunset. Side streets, sidewalks, and untreated ramps turn slick fast. Drivers should slow down and expect sudden icy patches.
Sunday brings bright sunshine but little relief. The cold holds firm through the day before easing early next week. Meteorologists now see a broader pattern shift developing. With the Great Lakes largely frozen, lake-driven snow stays limited, while milder air builds midweek. By late next week, temperatures trend above normal, hinting at an early taste of spring.
Heading out this weekend? How cold did it feel in your neighborhood?
Five Day Outlook
- Saturday: Windy, chance snow early. High 20°F.
- Sunday: Sunny, bitter cold. High 20°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, cold. High 26°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, moderating. High 34°F.
- Wednesday: Chance rain or snow mix. High 38°F.
