Philadelphia, PA – A recent December snowstorm dropped more than four inches of snow across Philadelphia, marking one of the more notable early-season snowfall events the city has seen in recent years, according to updated data released Tuesday by the National Weather Service.
According to the National Weather Service office in Philadelphia/Mount Holly, Philadelphia recorded 4.2 inches of snow during the December 13–14 storm. While December snow is not uncommon in the region, forecasters noted that snowfall totals of this magnitude so early in the season are relatively rare.
The agency compared the storm to past December events and found that Philadelphia has not seen a December snowfall of this size since December 16–17, 2020, when 6.6 inches were recorded. The city’s season-to-date snowfall now stands at 4.2 inches, placing it among the snowier early starts in recent years. The last time Philadelphia recorded a snowier season-to-date total by mid-December was in 2017, when totals reached 7.7 inches.
Other nearby cities also saw significant accumulations. Trenton reported 7.2 inches from the storm, with season-to-date totals reaching 7.3 inches — its snowiest early season since 2017. Allentown picked up 5 inches, while Wilmington recorded 4.1 inches.
Forecasters emphasized that while the totals are not record-breaking, the timing is noteworthy. Significant snowfall typically occurs later in the winter season, making early December storms like this one less frequent.
The National Weather Service said these statistics help place the recent storm in historical context and highlight how quickly winter conditions can take hold. Residents are encouraged to remain prepared for additional winter weather as the season continues, even during periods of quieter forecasts.
