Friday is looking like the eye of the storm. Literally. If you’ve been tracking the chaotic shifts in Pennsylvania’s January patterns, you know we’ve been bouncing between biting wind chills and weirdly quiet spells. Honestly, Friday, January 16, 2026, is basically a "get-out-while-you-can" day for anyone living in the city.
The National Weather Service is calling for mostly sunny skies with a high of 37°F. That sounds decent enough for mid-January, right? But don’t let the clear blue sky fool you into thinking it's t-shirt weather. A steady west wind at 12 mph is going to keep that "real feel" firmly in the "keep your coat on" territory.
The Friday Breakdown: Sunny Today, Shovels Tomorrow?
The daytime is the clear winner here. We aren't seeing any precipitation during the morning or afternoon hours—0% chance of snow while the sun is up. It’s the perfect window to run those errands or walk the dog along the Schuylkill Banks without getting hit by a surprise flurry.
But things get kinda dicey once the sun goes down.
📖 Related: Sweden School Shooting 2025: What Really Happened at Campus Risbergska
By Friday night, the temperature drops to a low of 25°F. The clouds are going to roll back in, and we’re looking at a 25% chance of snow showers late in the evening. It’s not a blizzard—not yet—but it’s the precursor to what looks like a messier weekend. If you’re heading out to dinner in Fishtown or Center City, just be aware that those sidewalks might start getting a dusting before you head home.
Philadelphia Weather Friday Details (At a Glance)
- High Temperature: 37°F
- Low Temperature: 25°F
- Daytime Condition: Mostly Sunny
- Nighttime Condition: Snow Showers (25% chance)
- Wind: West at 12 mph
- UV Index: 2 (Low)
- Humidity: 37%
Why This Friday Matters More Than Usual
Local meteorologists have been eyeing the second half of January as a potential "pattern changer." While the first half of the month was relatively dry, we are entering a phase where the Polar Vortex is weakening. When that happens, Arctic air starts sagging south, and the East Coast becomes a magnet for coastal systems.
Friday is the transition. We are wedged right between a cold high-pressure system that’s keeping things clear and a developing low-pressure system that’s expected to bring a mix of snow and rain by Saturday afternoon.
👉 See also: Will Palestine Ever Be Free: What Most People Get Wrong
Navigating the City During a Cold Snap
If you’re a lifelong Philadelphian, you know the drill. The 37-degree high is that awkward temperature where the salt on the roads works perfectly, but the wind off the Delaware River makes it feel ten degrees colder.
Here’s the reality: 37% humidity means the air is dry. Like, "static-shock-every-time-you-touch-a-doorknob" dry. It also means that if those late-night snow showers do hit, they won't be that heavy, wet "heart attack" snow. It’ll be the light, powdery stuff that blows around in the wind.
Pro-Tips for Friday in Philly:
- Layer up for the wind: That 12 mph west wind is coming straight across the flats. If you're waiting for the Septa bus or a Regional Rail train, a windbreaker or a heavy wool coat isn't optional.
- Check your tires: We’ve had a few freeze-thaw cycles this week. The drop to 25°F Friday night is exactly when those pesky potholes in North Philly like to expand.
- Prep for Saturday: Since Saturday's forecast is looking much grayer with a higher chance of precipitation, use the sun on Friday to get your groceries and clear your storm drains.
What Most People Get Wrong About January Weather
People see "mostly sunny" and "37 degrees" and assume the roads will be fine. Most of the time, they are. However, with a low of 25°F at night, any lingering moisture from previous days—or those overnight snow showers—will freeze solid. Black ice is the real enemy in this city, especially on the bridges and the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76).
✨ Don't miss: JD Vance River Raised Controversy: What Really Happened in Ohio
The UV index is also only a 2, so don't expect the sun to provide much actual warmth. It’s mostly there for decoration and a much-needed Vitamin D boost before the clouds reclaim the sky for the weekend.
Looking Ahead: The Weekend Threat
If you're planning your Friday night, keep one eye on the Saturday morning maps. Current data suggests a 50% chance of snow/rain on Saturday with highs reaching 43°F. That means Saturday will be a slushy, messy affair. Friday is the last "clean" day we have for a while.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Finish outdoor tasks by 4:00 PM Friday: That’s when the light starts to fade and the temperatures begin their steep dive toward 25°F.
- Salt your steps Friday evening: If you’re worried about those 25% chance snow showers turning into a thin layer of ice overnight, a little pre-salting won't hurt.
- Monitor the 2:47 PM Moonset: If you’re a photographer, the clear Friday afternoon sky offers a great chance to catch the waning crescent moon setting over the skyline before the clouds move in for the night.