Philadelphia PA weather hour by hour: Why the wind chill is the real story today

Philadelphia PA weather hour by hour: Why the wind chill is the real story today

Honestly, if you're stepping outside in Philly today, January 15, 2026, the thermometer is lying to you. It might say 24°F right now, but your face is going to tell you it's actually 14°F. That's the power of a west wind kicking at 11 mph. It’s one of those classic Northeast winter nights where the "feels like" temperature is the only number that actually matters for your commute or dog walk.

The city is currently under clear skies, but "clear" this time of year basically just means there’s nothing to block the heat from escaping into the atmosphere. We’re sitting at 42% humidity, which is dry enough to make you reach for the Chapstick every twenty minutes.

Breaking down Philadelphia PA weather hour by hour

If you're trying to plan the rest of your night or tomorrow morning, you need to watch the steady slide. We aren't expecting any surprise snow tonight—the precipitation chance is a solid 0%—but the cold is relentless.

By 8 PM, we were looking at 25°F.
By 9 PM, it dipped to 24°F.
The wind is staying consistent from the west, hovering around 10 to 11 mph.

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What’s interesting is how stable the conditions are. Usually, we see more fluctuation, but tonight is just a steady, icy breeze. If you’re heading out to a late dinner in Fishtown or catching a show, that 14°F feels-like temp isn't going anywhere. It’s staying bitter.

What to expect for the Friday morning commute

Tomorrow, Friday, January 16, things get a little more "sunny" but don't let the yellow icon fool you. We’re looking at a high of 37°F and a low of 21°F.

The daytime wind is actually going to pick up compared to tonight. We’re talking a west wind at 16 mph. When you combine that with a UV index of 2, you get that weird sensation of the sun hitting your back while the wind freezes your nose.

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  • Morning (6 AM - 9 AM): Expect temperatures to linger in the low 20s. The wind chill will likely stay in the low teens or single digits.
  • Midday (12 PM - 3 PM): This is when we hit that 37°F peak. It’s the warmest part of the day, but with 16 mph gusts, it won't feel like a spring thaw.
  • Evening: The clouds start to behave a bit differently, though the night-time precipitation chance remains 0%.

Why the humidity matters right now

At 44% humidity forecasted for the day, the air is thin and crisp. This is why the cold feels so "sharp" in Philly. High-humidity cold feels damp and heavy, but this dry cold just cuts right through a standard hoodie.

You’ve probably noticed the static shocks every time you touch a doorknob. That’s the 42-44% humidity range at work.

National Weather Service data for the Philadelphia/Mt Holly area suggests that while we have a 10% chance of snow during the daytime tomorrow, it’s mostly just a "nuisance" probability. Nothing that’s going to require a shovel, but maybe enough to see a stray flake while you're grabbing lunch.

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The weekend outlook: A shift is coming

While tonight and tomorrow are all about the dry cold, the patterns for Saturday are already looking a bit messier. Some forecasts are hinting at a "coating to an inch" of snow or a rain/snow mix starting late Friday night into Saturday morning.

But for the immediate Philadelphia PA weather hour by hour needs? Stick to the heavy coat.

The barometric pressure is holding steady, and the visibility is clear at 10 miles. Basically, the roads are dry and the sky is open. It’s just cold. Really, really cold.

If you're walking the Schuylkill River Trail or heading to Penn’s Landing, remember that the wind off the water will make that 11-16 mph wind speed feel significantly more aggressive.

Next Steps for Philadelphians:
Check your tire pressure tonight; these 20-degree drops usually trigger those annoying "low pressure" sensors. Layers are your best friend for Friday—specifically a wind-resistant outer shell to kill that 16 mph west wind. If you have outdoor pets, tonight is definitely the night to keep them inside, as that 14°F wind chill is well into the danger zone for extended exposure.