Philadelphia woke up under a blanket of white this morning, and honestly, if you haven’t looked out your window yet, you might want to grab the shovel. It’s January 18, 2026, and the city is currently caught in the middle of a two-part winter wallop that’s making the Sunday morning coffee run a bit more treacherous than usual.
Right now, it’s a crisp 32°F out there. We’ve got a 100% humidity situation, which basically means the air feels like a damp sponge, and the snow is coming down steadily. The wind is biting at about 3 mph from the northeast, but don't let that low number fool you; it’s cold enough to turn any slush on your sidewalk into a sheet of ice before you can say "Go Birds."
Philadelphia Today: The Weather Is Only Half the Story
While everyone is busy tracking the 1 to 4 inches of snow the National Weather Service promised us, there’s a lot more bubbling under the surface of the city.
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The biggest headline hitting the wires this morning involves a federal judge's ruling that’s sending ripples through the local political scene. Matthew Laiss, a man from nearby Bucks County, just had his claim for a presidential pardon shot down. He was accused of voting twice in the 2020 election—once in PA and once in Florida. A judge ruled today that he can't just slide under a broad proclamation; he has to go through the formal petition process. It’s a reminder that even years later, the fallout from 2020 is still very much a "today" problem in the Philly suburbs.
What’s Happening on the Streets
If you're planning on heading out, Lincoln Drive is finally clear after that horrific multi-vehicle crash earlier this week that left one dead. It’s been a rough week for Philly drivers. Between the slushy accumulation on I-95 and the lingering grief from recent accidents, the vibe on the road is... cautious. Mostly.
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- Snow Totals: Expecting about 2 more inches through the afternoon.
- Transit: SEPTA is doing its best, but expect delays on the regional rails.
- Power: PECO bills are spiking thanks to this arctic blast, and families in Delco are reportedly feeling the squeeze.
Sports and the "Dry January" Survival Guide
It’s a big day for Temple fans. The Owls are hosting Florida Atlantic at the Liacouras Center at noon. They’re coming off a heartbreaking two-point loss to Memphis, so the energy in North Philly is going to be high. It’s a nationally televised game on ESPNU, which is a nice win for the program's visibility, even if the Flyers are currently making everyone miserable with their six-game losing streak.
Speaking of being miserable—or maybe just being healthy—we’re officially past the halfway point of Dry January.
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If you’re struggling to stay away from the booze while watching the game, there’s a weirdly cool trend happening in Fishtown. Places like Bar Palmina are serving these gochujang and pineapple mocktails that actually taste like something. It’s not just a trend; it feels like a genuine shift in how people are hanging out in the city lately. You've got spots like Faceclock and Old City Cava Company staying open until midnight or later, proving you don't need a shot of Jameson to have a late night in Philadelphia.
The Violence Prevention Push
In West Philadelphia, Mayor Cherelle Parker is expected to make an appearance today for the grand opening of Level Up Records. This isn’t just a music studio. It’s a youth empowerment hub aimed squarely at violence prevention. It’s a heavy topic for a Sunday, but with homicide rates in the city actually down 50% year-to-date according to the latest PPD stats, there’s a sense of cautious optimism in the air.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re in the city today, here is the move:
- Clear your sidewalk now. The temperature is going to drop to 19°F tonight. Anything you don't shovel now is going to be a permanent part of your pavement by tomorrow morning.
- Check the Temple score. Even if you aren't a student, a win for the Owls is a win for the city’s sports morale, which is currently in the basement thanks to the Flyers.
- Avoid the Lincoln Drive area. Even with it open, the "slush factor" makes those curves a nightmare.
Philadelphia today is a mix of quiet snow and loud politics. It’s cold, it’s a little messy, but at least we aren't dealing with the 4-alarm high-rise fires that hit Atlantic City overnight. Stay warm, keep the salt handy, and maybe try one of those fancy mocktails.