Philadelphia is waking up to a biting reality this Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you glanced at your phone and saw 33°F, you might think, "Okay, that's just a degree above freezing. Not bad." Honestly? You’ve been lied to by the raw numbers.
Basically, the temperature in philadelphia today is sitting right at that 33°F mark, but it feels like 28°F. That five-degree gap is the difference between "I need a coat" and "I can't feel my ears."
It’s damp. Really damp. Humidity is hovering at a staggering 96%. When the air is that saturated, the cold doesn't just sit on your skin; it seeps into your bones. Combine that with a 6 mph wind coming out of the north, and you’ve got a recipe for a very classic, very gray Philly winter day.
The Slush Factor: What's Falling from the Sky?
Right now, we’re seeing light rain. But don't get comfortable with the liquid stuff. The forecast for the rest of the day is leaning heavily into snow. We’re looking at a 77% chance of snow during the daylight hours.
If you’re planning on heading down to Broad Street or grabbing a cheesesteak, expect a mess.
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- The high for the day is that current 33°F.
- The low is going to bottom out at 20°F tonight.
- Precipitation is "two-part" today. We have the morning wave, and then a second surge later this afternoon.
Because the ground is already cold from yesterday’s dusting, that 77% chance of snow isn't just a threat—it’s a promise of slush. The north wind will pick up slightly to about 8 mph as the day progresses. It's not a gale, but it's enough to make the 33°F temperature in philadelphia today feel significantly more aggressive than it looks on paper.
Why the "Feels Like" Temperature Matters Right Now
We talk a lot about the mercury, but the "feels like" or wind chill is the real boss. At 28°F (the current perceived temp), your body loses heat much faster.
If you're out walking the dog in Rittenhouse Square, that 96% humidity makes the air "heavy." Wet cold is always worse than dry cold. It's just science. Your clothes absorb that microscopic moisture, and suddenly your puffer jacket isn't puffing quite as well.
The UV index is a flat zero. Don't expect the sun to peek out and save you. It’s a total "grey-out" today.
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Tonight’s Steep Drop
Once the sun goes down—not that we can see it anyway—the temperature is going to tank. We’re heading for 20°F.
That 13-degree drop is a big deal because all the rain and light snow we’re getting now is going to freeze solid. If you have plans in Manayunk or anywhere with those infamous Philly hills, be careful. The humidity stays high (around 97% tonight), meaning the frost is going to be thick on every windshield in the city.
Preparing for the 20-Degree Shift
So, what do you actually do with this information?
First, salt your steps now. If you wait until the 20°F low hits tonight, you’ll be trying to melt solid ice. Second, check your tire pressure. These sudden drops from the 30s into the low 20s usually trigger that annoying "low pressure" light on your dashboard.
The temperature in philadelphia today is a bit of a trickster. It looks like a standard winter day, but the moisture and the evening freeze-up make it a high-maintenance Sunday.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Layer up with a moisture-wicking base: Since humidity is at 96%, cotton is your enemy. Stick to wool or synthetic blends to keep the dampness away from your skin.
- Plan for a 4 PM transition: The "Part 2" of this weather system is expected to hit in the late afternoon. If you have errands to run, try to get them done before the temperature begins its slide toward the 20°F overnight low.
- Check the SEPTA alerts: Light rain turning to snow usually means localized delays on regional rails and bus routes due to visibility and slick spots.