It is Tuesday night in Philadelphia, January 13, 2026, and if you just stepped outside to take the trash out or walk the dog, you probably noticed something odd. It’s 47°F. In the middle of January.
Honestly, that’s not exactly "t-shirt weather," but for a city that usually expects to be scraping ice off windshields this time of year, it feels remarkably soft. The air is damp, the sky is a thick blanket of clouds, and there’s a southwest wind humming at about 10 mph. It feels like the city is holding its breath.
Philadelphia Temperature Today: The Numbers
If you’re looking for the hard data, here is how the day actually shook out at Philadelphia International Airport (KPHL), which is where the official record-keepers hang their hats.
Today’s high hit 50°F.
That is significantly warmer than the "normal" high for January 13, which usually sits right around 39°F. We didn't break the all-time record—that was a balmy 70°F set back in 1932—but we’re comfortably sitting 11 degrees above the historical average. The low this morning was 31°F, just a hair above freezing, which explains why the puddles from earlier this week didn't quite turn into skating rinks.
✨ Don't miss: Weather Forecast Calumet MI: What Most People Get Wrong About Keweenaw Winters
Right now, the "feels like" temperature is hovering around 43°F because of that 48% humidity and the breeze. It’s that classic Philly winter dampness that gets into your bones even when the thermometer says it’s mild.
The Wednesday Shift
Don't get used to it. Seriously.
While today felt like a bit of a reprieve, the atmosphere is basically setting us up for a rug-pull. Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14, we’re actually looking at a high of 51°F, but it comes with a catch. Thick clouds are moving in, and by tomorrow evening, we’re looking at rain that will likely transition into a messy rain-snow mix as a "game-changing" cold front slams into the Delaware Valley.
Why Does 50 Degrees Feel So Weird Right Now?
January in Philadelphia is usually a grind. We’re deep in the "dark months."
🔗 Read more: January 14, 2026: Why This Wednesday Actually Matters More Than You Think
Historically, this week is one of the coldest stretches of the year. According to the National Weather Service, the average daily low for mid-January is 25°F. When we hit 50, it changes the vibe of the city. People are out on the Schuylkill River Trail. The line at the coffee shop is full of people in light hoodies instead of heavy parkas.
But there is a psychological toll to this kind of weather. Meteorologists often call this "weather whiplash." We’re going from a 50-degree Tuesday to a predicted high of just 33°F by Thursday. That is a massive swing.
The Arctic Blast is Coming
By the time we hit Friday, the "mild" 47°F we’re feeling tonight will be a distant memory. The forecast is calling for a "Next Weather Alert" due to an Arctic blast. We’re talking about highs in the 30s and wind chills that will make it feel like the single digits.
If you haven't dug out your heavy wool socks and the "real" winter coat yet, tonight is the night to find them in the back of the closet.
💡 You might also like: Black Red Wing Shoes: Why the Heritage Flex Still Wins in 2026
Philly's Weird Weather History
Philly weather has always been a bit of a chaotic neutral.
- The Big Freeze: Back in 1981, the temperature on this exact date dropped to 0°F.
- The Heatwave: In 1932, it was 70°F. People were probably wondering if winter was canceled (it wasn't).
- The Snow Factor: While we’ve only seen a few flurries so far this month, January 1996 remains the gold standard for "real" winter here, when 30.7 inches of snow buried the city.
We aren't seeing anything that dramatic today. Instead, we’re in this gray, murky middle ground. The humidity is at 48%, which is dry enough that your skin might feel a bit itchy but damp enough that the cold has a "bite" to it.
Practical Steps for the Next 48 Hours
Since the temperature today in Philadelphia is the peak of the "warm" cycle, you should probably handle a few things before the freeze hits on Thursday.
- Check your tires: Drastic temperature drops (from 50°F to 30°F) often trigger that annoying "low tire pressure" light as the air inside contracts.
- Hydrate your skin: The transition from damp 50s to bone-dry Arctic 30s is a recipe for chapped lips and cracked hands.
- Clear your gutters: If there's any standing water or debris from today's dampness, you want it clear before the Wednesday night rain/snow mix hits and freezes everything solid.
- Watch the wind: By Friday morning, we’re expecting gusts that will make the "actual" temperature irrelevant. If you have loose patio furniture or empty trash cans, secure them tomorrow.
Enjoy the 47 degrees while it lasts tonight. By Friday morning, we'll be looking at a "feels like" temp of 19°F, and the 50s will feel like a dream. Be sure to check the local KPHL updates tomorrow afternoon before the evening commute, as that rain-to-snow transition is usually when the Schuylkill Expressway turns into a parking lot.
Actionable Tip: If you're heading out tomorrow (Wednesday), wear layers that include a waterproof outer shell. The temperature will stay mild until the evening, but the "game-changing" front will bring rain that could turn into a slushy mess right as the sun goes down. Stay ahead of the freeze.