Pennsylvania – Cold air cuts through the Delaware Valley before sunrise, frosting windshields and stinging exposed skin as the region wakes under a deep winter chill. The calm looks temporary. A familiar winter pattern is already lining up the next round of possible snow heading toward the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through mid-morning for southeastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia. Wind chills dropped as low as 10 degrees below zero overnight, creating a heightened risk of hypothermia during early commutes and outdoor activity.
Across Philadelphia, the cold is already affecting travel and daily routines. Roads remain dry, but untreated surfaces cool quickly, especially on bridges and elevated ramps along I-95, I-76, and Roosevelt Boulevard. Transit riders face long waits in the cold, while city agencies urge residents to limit exposure, dress in layers, and check on elderly neighbors.
The bigger concern develops later this week. Arctic air stays locked in through Thursday, keeping temperatures well below normal. That cold creates a favorable setup for snow if moisture arrives. National outlooks point to an active storm track across the Mid-Atlantic, raising the risk for snow or a wintry mix by Saturday and into early next week. Even light precipitation could turn slick quickly with ground temperatures staying near freezing.
This pattern mirrors last weekend’s setup and keeps the door open for back-to-back winter impacts across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the broader Northeast. Small shifts in storm timing or track will matter.
Residents should prepare now. Cold weather safety remains critical today, and attention should turn to late-week travel plans as confidence increases on potential snow.
Five Day Forecast for Philadelphia, PA
• Today: Cold with increasing clouds. High near 21. Dangerous wind chills early.
• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy and cold. High near 20.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny. High near 18.
• Friday: Sunny but frigid. High near 16.
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow. High near 19.
