PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – A low gray sky hangs over the city before dawn, the kind that signals shifting air and a new chill rolling in from the west. The scent of damp leaves and distant wood smoke rides the breeze as Philadelphia braces for a colder, breezier stretch heading into Thursday and a wetter weekend that could affect early holiday travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, temperatures will hover near 53°F on Thursday under mostly sunny skies, but gusts could reach 25 mph. Those winds will make it feel several degrees colder, especially in open areas along the Delaware River and over the higher suburbs west of I-95. Residents heading out for early commutes or outdoor work should dress in layers and secure loose decorations or leaf bags before winds peak late in the day.
Friday offers a calmer, sunnier pause with highs again near 53°F — perfect for raking or prepping lawns before rain returns. A developing coastal low will lift toward the Mid-Atlantic Saturday, bringing a 40 percent chance of rain during the afternoon and another round Sunday morning. Roads could be slick, especially for those heading south toward Delaware or New Jersey shore routes.
The rare G4 solar storm that lit up Northern Lights across the U.S. last night is fading, but minor GPS or radio hiccups remain possible through today. For now, Philadelphia settles into its late-fall rhythm — shorter days, crisp nights, and hints that true winter isn’t far behind.
Five-Day Forecast for Philadelphia, PA:
Thu: 53/36 – Mostly sunny, breezy; gusts near 25 mph.
Fri: 53/33 – Mostly sunny, cool and calm.
Sat: 51/39 – Cloudy; 40% chance of afternoon rain.
Sun: 63/43 – Early rain, partly sunny later; travel impacts possible.
Mon: 54/38 – Mostly sunny, seasonable chill returns.
