Honestly, if you've lived in Philly long enough, you know the sky usually looks like a wet wool blanket this time of year. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, is actually throwing us a bit of a curveball. It’s mostly sunny right now. Seriously.
But don't let those few rays of light trick you into thinking spring is early.
Right now, it's 33°F. That sounds manageable until you factor in the "feels like" temp, which is sitting at a crisp 29°F. We’ve got a southwest wind moving at about 4 mph—just enough to make your ears sting if you're out walking the dog without a hat.
The air is thick too. Humidity is at 85%. That's that classic East Coast dampness that somehow seeps through your "waterproof" layers and settles right in your bones.
The Messy Forecast for the Rest of Today
If you're planning on hitting Reading Terminal Market or heading down to South Street later, keep an eye on the sky. Things are going to get weird. The National Weather Service is tracking a mix of rain and snow moving in.
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We’re looking at a high of 38°F later this afternoon.
Normally, 38 degrees would mean just rain. But because of the atmospheric layers right now, we’ve got a 45% chance of precipitation during the day, specifically a "rain and snow" cocktail. It’s that slushy, annoying stuff that doesn't really stick to the grass but definitely sticks to your windshield.
Tonight's Vibe: Cold and Cloudy
By the time the sun goes down, the "mostly sunny" part of the day will be a distant memory.
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- The Low: 31°F
- The Condition: Mostly cloudy
- Precipitation: 35% chance of snow
- Wind: Stepping up to 9 mph from the southwest
Basically, if you're driving tonight, watch out for "black ice" on the side streets. The temperature is hovering right at that freezing mark, which is the most dangerous spot for Philly roads. When it's 20 degrees, you know it's frozen. When it's 31, it’s a guessing game.
Why Philadelphia Weather is So Moody in January
A lot of people think Philly gets buried in snow every winter. Honestly? Not really. We’re in that "Goldilocks" zone where we’re too far south for the consistent deep freezes of New England, but just far enough north to get hit by the tail end of Nor'easters.
This specific 2026 winter season is being influenced by a fading La Niña. What does that mean for your Saturday? It means the jet stream is wobbly. One minute we have an arctic blast, and the next, we're seeing 40-degree rain. Today is the perfect example of that tug-of-war.
The UV index is a flat 0. You don't need sunscreen, but you definitely need Vitamin D.
What You Should Actually Do Today
If you’re a local, you know the drill.
- Get your errands done now while it's still "mostly sunny."
- Check your wiper fluid. That salt-and-slush spray on I-95 is no joke.
- Don't bother washing the car. With rain and snow coming this afternoon, it’s a waste of twenty bucks.
The pressure is sitting at about 30.04 inHg. Some people swear they can feel the "weather ache" in their joints when the barometer shifts like this before a snow mix. Whether that's science or just a "Philly thing," the dampness is definitely real today.
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Keep your layers handy and expect the gray to return by sunset.
Next Steps for Philadelphians:
- Check the SEPTA app for "Regional Rail" delays if the slush starts accumulating this evening.
- Make sure your outdoor faucets are covered; even though it's 38 today, that 31-degree dip tonight can cause issues if your pipes are exposed.
- Keep an umbrella in the car—snow in Philly usually turns into a cold drizzle before it stops.