Is it going to snow? Honestly, if you’ve lived in Philadelphia for more than a week, you know the drill: we’re currently sitting in that weird January limbo where the forecast changes every time you refresh your phone. One minute it's a mild winter day, and the next, everyone is panic-buying bread at the Acme on Passyunk.
But let's look at what’s actually happening.
The weather tonight in philly is basically a tale of two halves. We started the day with some decent January sun and highs hitting that "Philadelphia mild" range of around 51°F to 53°F. That’s gone now. As the sun sets, we are watching a cold front slide in that is going to pull the rug out from under those comfortable temperatures.
What to Expect for the Weather Tonight in Philly
Right now, the clouds are thickening up. If you look up, it's that heavy, grey "Philly winter" sky. Expect light rain to start spotting your windshield as we head deeper into the evening. Most local meteorologists, including the team over at CBS Philadelphia and the National Weather Service, are tracking a 25% to 67% chance of precipitation depending on exactly where you’re standing between the Delaware River and the Main Line.
It’s not just rain, though.
As the temperature drops toward a low of 38°F or 40°F, that rain could get a little "crunchy." We’re talking about a potential mix of rain and snow showers, especially for those of you north and west of the city. If you’re in Manayunk or Chestnut Hill, you might see some white flakes mixing in with the drizzle before daybreak.
The Temperature Rollercoaster
- Sunset Timing: The sun dipped below the horizon around 4:59 PM.
- Current Feel: It’s roughly 47°F out there right now, but with the southwest wind kicking at about 10 mph, it feels more like 43°F.
- The Overnight Slide: We’re heading for a low of 38°F. That’s not quite "ice on the sidewalks" cold yet, but it’s close enough to make the air feel damp and biting.
Is the Snow Going to Stick?
Probably not.
Don't go digging for the shovel just yet. Most of the accumulation—if you can even call it that—will stay well north of the city in the mountains. Philadelphia might see a coating or a "dusting" on the grass, but the pavement is still a bit too warm from today's sun for much to happen on the roads tonight.
However, this is the precursor to something much bigger.
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The real story isn't necessarily what’s happening tonight, but what tonight is bringing in. By Thursday morning, the front will have passed, and we are going to wake up to a "NEXT Weather Alert" kind of day. We’re talking about highs that won't even crack the freezing mark.
Why the Wind Matters Tonight
While you're sleeping, the wind is going to shift. It’s coming from the south right now, which is why it’s so damp and "warm" (for January). Overnight, it turns. By tomorrow, those gusts will be coming from the north at 15 to 20 mph, making it feel like it's 20°F even when the sun is out.
If you have outdoor pets or plants that were enjoying the 50-degree afternoon, bring them in. The drop is going to be sharp.
Actionable Tips for the Overnight Change
- Check your tire pressure. These 15-to-20 degree temperature swings are notorious for triggering that "low tire pressure" light on your dashboard.
- Layer up for the morning commute. You might leave the house tonight in a light jacket, but you’ll want the heavy wool coat and gloves by 7:00 AM Thursday.
- Watch the bridges. If that "light rain/snow mix" hits around 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM, the bridges over the Schuylkill can get slick before the actual roads do.
The "warm" stretch of January is officially ending. Enjoy the 40s while they last tonight, because the rest of the week is looking like a straight-up deep freeze with highs struggling to reach 33°F.
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Stay dry, keep the umbrella handy for those late-night sprinkles, and maybe grab a coffee for the cold walk tomorrow morning.