Honestly, if you looked out the window this morning and thought the clear skies meant you could leave the heavy coat at home, you’ve already made your first mistake. Philadelphia is currently sitting at a crisp 23°F, but that’s a total lie. Because of a steady 12 mph wind coming out of the west, it actually feels like 11°F out there.
It's one of those classic Philly winter mornings where the sun is technically "out," but it has absolutely no warmth to it.
Basically, the weather forecast today Philadelphia is a tale of two halves. We’ve got clear skies right now, but things are going to get a bit more complicated as we head into tonight.
The Reality of Today's Cold
We are looking at a high of 34°F today. That’s barely above freezing, so don't expect the ice on your windshield to melt without a little help from the scraper. The humidity is hovering around 48%, which keeps that cold feeling sharp and biting rather than damp.
The wind is the real story here. It’s staying consistent from the west at about 12 mph. While that doesn't sound like a gale, in these temperatures, it’s enough to make the air feel significantly harsher on any exposed skin. Experts like Tammie Souza from CBS Philadelphia have been warning that this Arctic air isn't just a "chilly day"—it's the kind of weather where you actually need to worry about frostbite if you're standing at the bus stop for twenty minutes without gloves.
Breaking Down the Shift
Most people assume that because it's sunny now, the rest of the day will be a breeze. Nope.
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By the time the sun goes down, the clouds are moving in. We’re expecting a low of 23°F tonight, matching our current morning temp. But here is the kicker: the precipitation chance jumps. We’ve got a 20% chance of snow after dark. It’s not a blizzard, but with the ground this cold, even a dusting can make the Schuylkill Expressway or I-95 turn into a skating rink in minutes.
The UV index is a measly 1, so you don't need to worry about a sunburn, but you definitely need to worry about the "feels like" factor staying in the teens or low 20s all day.
Why This Forecast Matters for the Weekend
If you're planning your Saturday morning, pay attention to that 20% snow chance tonight. It’s the precursor to a bigger mess.
The National Weather Service and local stations are tracking a disturbance that could bring more snow showers early Saturday before things transition into a messy rain/snow mix. Total accumulations look light—probably less than an inch—but that's often the most dangerous amount because people don't take it seriously.
Black ice is a huge concern when you have these "just above freezing" highs followed by "well below freezing" lows. When that 10% or 20% chance of precipitation hits a road that is 23°F, it freezes instantly.
What You Actually Need to Do
Don't just look at the "34 degrees" on your phone and think you're fine.
- Layer up properly. One giant coat isn't as good as a base layer plus a sweater plus a shell. The air trapped between layers is what actually keeps you warm.
- Check your tires. Cold air makes tire pressure drop. If your "low air" light came on this morning, it’s because the air molecules are huddling together for warmth just like you are.
- Watch the wind. Walking west today means walking directly into a 12 mph breeze. If you have the choice, plan your route to keep your back to the wind.
- Prepare for a "Next Weather Alert." Looking ahead to Tuesday, we’re seeing forecasts for the coldest air of the season, with lows potentially hitting 5°F. Today is basically a dress rehearsal for the deep freeze coming next week.
Stay warm, keep the pets inside, and don't trust the sun—it's beautiful, but it's cold.