Look out the window right now and you might see a bright, inviting sky over Broad Street. It looks like a great day for a walk. Honestly, though? Don't let it fool you. The weather in Philadelphia today is a classic winter trap.
We are currently sitting at 26°F, but that number is a total lie. Because of a steady 10 mph wind blowing in from the west, the real-feel temperature is actually closer to 16°F. If you step outside without a heavy coat, the air will bite through your layers faster than you can say "Go Birds."
It’s one of those weird Philly days. Bright sun, blue skies, and a wind chill that makes you want to hibernate until April.
What to Expect This Afternoon
The "warmth"—if we can even call it that—will peak later today. We are looking at a forecasted high of 36°F. It’s better than the morning deep freeze, sure, but the humidity is hovering around 44%, keeping that dry, crisp Arctic feel in the air.
🔗 Read more: Map of the election 2024: What Most People Get Wrong
Actually, the humidity might even drop a bit more as the day goes on. By the time the sun starts to dip, the clouds are going to move in.
We’re moving from a purely sunny morning into a partly sunny afternoon.
The Snow Situation
You’ve probably heard rumors about snow. Here is the deal: during the day, the chance of precipitation is basically non-existent. We’re looking at maybe a 10% chance of a stray flake.
💡 You might also like: King Five Breaking News: What You Missed in Seattle This Week
Tonight is a different story.
As the sun goes down, the cloud cover is going to thicken up. The low tonight is expected to hit 23°F. Along with that drop, the chance of snow bumps up to about 20%. It’s not a blizzard. You won't need to dig out the shovel yet, but don't be shocked if you see some dusting on the windshields tomorrow morning.
The Weekend Outlook
If you have plans for Saturday, keep an eye on the sky. That 20% chance of snow tonight carries over into the early hours of tomorrow. The wind is staying steady too, coming from the west at about 11 mph.
📖 Related: Kaitlin Marie Armstrong: Why That 2022 Search Trend Still Haunts the News
It’s basically a reminder that we are deep in the January grind.
| Time of Day | Condition | Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Sunny | 26°F (Feels like 16°F) |
| Afternoon | Partly Sunny | 36°F |
| Night | Cloudy/Snow Chance | 23°F |
How to Handle the Philly Chill
Basically, you need layers. Even if the sun is out, the UV index is only at a 1 or 2, so there's zero "sun warmth" hitting your skin.
- Cover your neck. That west wind at 10-11 mph is the real enemy today. A scarf makes a bigger difference than you’d think.
- Watch the pets. 16°F is no joke for paws on the pavement. Keep the walks short.
- Check the SEPTA alerts. Cold snaps can sometimes mess with the rails, though things seem to be running okay for now.
The most important thing to remember about the weather in Philadelphia today is that the temperature you see on your phone isn't the temperature you'll actually feel. That 16°F wind chill is the number that matters. Dress for the "feels like," not the forecast high.
Stay warm out there and maybe grab an extra large coffee—you're gonna need it.