Honestly, if you’re planning to be out in Center City or anywhere near the Linc this Friday, January 16, 2026, you need to prepare for a bit of a slap in the face from the North. We’ve had a weirdly back-and-forth winter so far. One day it’s a sweatshirt kind of afternoon, and the next, you’re digging through the hall closet for that heavy wool parka you swore you wouldn't need this year.
The weather on friday in philadelphia is shaping up to be a classic "Code Blue" scenario. Montgomery County has already extended its emergency weather declaration through the 16th, and for good reason. We are looking at a high that will struggle to crest past 35°F. Combine that with a low of 20°F, and you’ve got a recipe for some seriously frozen pipes and chapped lips.
👉 See also: Popular Vote Presidential Elections: Why the Person With the Most Votes Doesn't Always Win
What to Expect from the Weather on Friday in Philadelphia
The day starts off crisp. Actually, crisp is a polite way of saying it’s going to be biting. By the time the sun is fully up around 7:20 AM, the air will likely feel much colder than the thermometer suggests. This isn't just about the temperature; it's the residual moisture from the system that brushed past us earlier in the week.
Historically, January in Philly averages about 3°C (around 37°F) for a high, so we’re sitting slightly below the norm. If you're heading to the 76ers game against the Cavs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Friday night, that 7:00 PM tip-off time coincides perfectly with a temperature nose-dive. You'll walk into the arena in the low 30s and likely walk out into a 24°F reality.
📖 Related: The Indonesian War of Independence: What Most People Get Wrong About the Struggle
The Wind Factor
Wind is the real villain here. We aren't expecting a massive blizzard—thankfully—but the breeze coming off the Delaware River is going to make that 35-degree high feel more like 25.
- Morning commute: Expect clear skies but a steady WNW wind around 8-10 mph.
- Afternoon: The sun will be out (we're expecting about 5 hours of bright sunshine), but don't let the blue sky fool you into leaving your gloves at home.
- Evening: Humidity drops, making the air feel very dry. This is that "stinging" cold that makes your eyes water.
Is Snow on the Table?
Short answer: Not really. While the "Weather Guy" and local NWS stations have been tracking a system moving to our northwest, most of the actual precipitation is expected to miss the city. We might see some "moisture aloft," which is just fancy meteorologist speak for clouds that look like they want to snow but can't quite get it together.
There was a chance for a rain-snow mix earlier in the week, but for Friday, the air is just too dry. We’re looking at 0% precipitation. It’s a dry cold. The kind of cold that makes the ground feel like concrete and makes your car take an extra second to turn over in the morning.
Local Comparisons and Expert Nuance
Meteorologists like Kate Bilo and Bill Kelly have been highlighting this "pattern change." While some winters in Philadelphia feature a "January Thaw," 2026 seems to be leaning into the Arctic air. Comparing this to the wild-card weekend weather we saw for the Eagles-49ers game just a few days ago, Friday is actually going to feel more consistent. No squalls, no whiteouts—just steady, relentless cold.
Practical Advice for Friday
If you have to be outside, layering is your best friend. This isn't a "one big coat" situation. You want a base layer to wick moisture, a middle layer for insulation, and a shell to block that 13-knot wind.
✨ Don't miss: Why Was George Washington the First President? The Reality Behind America's Unanimous Choice
- Check your tires: Cold air makes tire pressure drop. If your "low pressure" light wasn't on this morning, it might be by Friday morning.
- Pet safety: With a low of 20°F, it's too cold for most dogs to be out for more than a quick bathroom break. Salt on the sidewalks can also irritate their paws, so keep an eye out.
- Code Blue Awareness: Be mindful of neighbors who might be vulnerable. In Philadelphia, a Code Blue means city services are ramped up to get people off the streets and into warming centers.
The weather on friday in philadelphia is a reminder that winter in the Northeast always has a second gear. It might have been mild on Tuesday, but Friday is bringing the reality check. Stick to the sunny side of the street if you're walking to lunch; that extra bit of radiation actually makes a noticeable difference when the ambient temp is hovering near freezing.
Stay warm, keep the heat on a steady setting to prevent pipe issues, and maybe grab a soft pretzel to fuel up against the chill.
Immediate Next Steps:
Check your vehicle's antifreeze levels and tire pressure before the sun goes down on Thursday evening. If you're attending the 76ers game on Friday night, plan for heavy traffic near the South Philadelphia Sports Complex and allow extra time for security lines, as bulky winter gear can slow down the screening process.