Philly is about to step firmly into winter mode as the region gears up for the first meaningful snowfall since February. Forecasters say a weekend storm will drop 2 to 4 inches of snow across the city, South Jersey, and parts of Delaware, kicking off a sharp stretch cold air that will linger into early next week.
How much snow will Philadelphia get?
Forecasters from multiple weather services point to 2-4 inches across the Philadelphia metro area, with some of the highest totals expected along the I-95 corridor, South Jersey, and northern Delaware. The stormy may begin as a rain/snow mix before transitioning to all snow late Saturday night.
Snow is expected to start in the city between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday, become widespread overnight, and continue into late Sunday morning, with lingering blowing snow as winds intensify.
When was the last substantial snowfall?
Philadelphia hasn’t seen measurable accumulation in months. The last substantial snowfall hit back in February, making a long stretch of mild, mostly snow-free weather. This weekend’s storm officially breaks the pattern and brings the region its first shovel-worthy event of the season.
After the snowfall, here comes the bitter cold
Behind the storm, Arctic air arrives fast. Temperatures will drop into the 20s Sunday night with wind chills in the teens and single digits through Monday as Northwest gusts reach 30 mph.
Next, a midweek cold snap will keep temperature highs in the 40s, before a brief warmup pushes temperatures into the 50s by Friday. In fact, Friday will be the first time the city sees such mild temperatures since Thanksgiving.
When does winter officially begin?
Although winter officially begins December 21st (the winter solstice), Philly is getting an early preview this weekend.