Philadelphia, PA – A sharp December chill is tightening its grip across the Delaware Valley as a cold front moves through, setting the stage for a wintry weekend. Temperatures will tumble from the 40s into the 20s by Friday night, with forecasters tracking a growing chance for snow and slick roads across Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs.
According to the National Weather Service, Friday will stay partly sunny but brisk, with highs near 37°F before dropping sharply overnight. A 40% chance of snow develops late Friday into early Saturday, bringing the city its first measurable flakes of December. Even minor accumulations could create slippery travel on I-95, Route 1, and bridges where surface temperatures dip below freezing.
Winds will stay gusty — up to 35 mph at times — making the air feel 10 to 15 degrees colder. Drivers and pedestrians should prepare for reduced visibility, icy spots, and possible flash freezing where wet pavement refreezes overnight. Meteorologists note this pattern marks the first major cold snap of the season, with colder-than-average air expected to persist into next week.
Looking ahead, long-range models show continued Arctic air streaming into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast through December 17, keeping highs in the low 30s and raising the risk of more light snow. Residents are urged to bundle up, monitor travel updates, and check on those without heat as the chill settles in.
Five-Day Outlook for Philadelphia, PA
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, breezy, high near 38°F.
- Friday: Partly sunny, high near 37°F; snow chance late.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 40°F; 40% chance of snow early.
- Sunday: Cold and clear, low near 18°F, high around 33°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, cold, high near 30°F.
