Weather Philadelphia has taken center stage today as a potent winter storm sweeps across southeastern Pennsylvania, bringing a mix of snow, sleet, ice and cold temperatures to the region. As of Friday, December 26, 2025, Philadelphia and its suburbs are experiencing deteriorating travel conditions, accumulating precipitation, and winter weather advisories that remain in effect through the weekend. This post-Christmas storm is creating hazardous conditions on roads, slowing holiday travel, and prompting public safety measures across the city and nearby counties.
Today’s winter weather system arrived after a relatively mild Christmas Day but quickly shifted into a more wintry pattern, turning the forecast toward snow and cold. With storm totals expected to reach several inches and mixed precipitation widespread, residents and visitors should take the weather seriously and prepare for impacts that could last into Saturday. The combination of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and dropping temperatures has made weather philadelphia a topic of concern for commuters, families, local officials, and travelers across the region.
Table of Contents
Philadelphia’s Current Weather Snapshot: Cold, Cloudy, and Snow on the Way
This morning in Philadelphia, temperatures were well below average for late December, hovering in the low-30s and upper-20s with widespread cloud cover. After a relatively calm early day, conditions will worsen this afternoon as the winter storm moves in from the west. Early observations show:
- Temperature near or just above freezing in many parts of the city, with surface temperatures hovering in the 28–34°F range.
- Cloudy skies dominating the skyline, indicating increasing moisture and the approach of precipitation.
- Wind speeds light to moderate, but increasing late in the day as the storm system strengthens.
These conditions are the precursor to what is expected to be a significant overnight winter event. As precipitation begins later this afternoon and continues into the night, the character of the precipitation will vary depending on altitude and surface temperatures, creating a classic winter mix scenario.
Winter Weather Advisory and Storm Watches: What’s in Effect
Government weather agencies have issued official alerts for weather philadelphia that are currently in effect:
- A Winter Weather Advisory is active from mid-afternoon today through early Saturday morning. This advisory covers Philadelphia, much of southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and parts of northern Delaware.
- The advisory warns of mixed precipitation — snow, sleet, and ice — that could accumulate and create slippery surfaces on roads, sidewalks, and untreated areas.
- Storm totals of 1 to 3 inches of snow and sleet are likely across much of the city, with a light glaze of ice possible in spots, especially where temperatures hover near the freezing mark.
Because the storm is expected to intensify this afternoon and continue overnight into Saturday, officials emphasize that travel will become increasingly dangerous after 3 p.m. and into the evening commute window. Roads will quickly become treacherous and untreated areas can turn icy with little warning.
Detailed Forecast: Weather Philadelphia Through Saturday
Friday Afternoon to Evening
This afternoon, mostly cloudy skies will give way to precipitation developing from west to east. Southerly moisture colliding with frigid air at the surface will create snow showers first, which will then transition to sleet and freezing rain as pockets of slightly warmer air mix into the storm system. Expect:
- Snow showers between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. across most of Philadelphia.
- Transition to sleet and freezing rain by early evening, especially closer to the city center and southern suburbs.
- Accumulations on untreated surfaces, with snow quickly covering ground and sleet creating icy patches.
As the storm deepens this evening, heavier bursts of mixed precipitation will increase the risk of slippery roads and limited visibility. Residents are advised to complete travel before the late afternoon if possible — the later evening hours will see the worst conditions.
Friday Night Into Early Saturday
Once nighttime settles in, temperatures will continue to hover near the freezing mark, with surface conditions favoring continued snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Forecast details indicate:
- Snow changing over to sleet and freezing rain at various points, depending on local temperatures and atmospheric profile.
- Slippery conditions persisting on bridges, ramps, and untreated roadways.
- Snow totals generally between 2–4 inches near Philadelphia, with higher amounts possible north and northwest of the city.
The mix of sleet and ice on top of early snow accumulations will make travel especially difficult overnight. Motorists should plan for additional travel time and consider delaying or avoiding travel until conditions improve.
Saturday Morning and Afternoon
By Saturday morning, the storm is expected to begin lifting northward, with precipitation tapering off. However:
- Lingering snow showers and freezing drizzle may persist early, especially in shaded or higher elevation areas.
- Road crews will continue treating roads, but residual snow and ice may remain through the morning.
- Temperatures likely remaining cold, with daytime highs only in the low 30s to mid-30s.
As the afternoon progresses, skies may begin to clear slowly, but the cold air mass will remain in place, keeping winter hazards around for the rest of the weekend.
Impact on Travel, Roads, and Commuters
The current weather philadelphia pattern is already causing travel disruptions across the city and surrounding region. A significant portion of the disruptions are due to:
- Icy road conditions on major highways such as I-95, I-76 and Route 1.
- Decreased visibility and slick surfaces during peak travel times.
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) alerts and vehicle restrictions on interstates and other busy routes to reduce accidents and improve safety.
- Slower public transportation performance, with regional rail and bus services adjusting schedules as conditions deteriorate.
Many travel professionals are urging commuters to be where they need to be before 3 p.m. today, as later afternoon and evening hours will bring the most dangerous road conditions. Snow and sleet accumulation, combined with freezing rain, are prompting warnings for both city streets and rural roads.
Snow Totals and Precipitation Estimates for the Region
While weather philadelphia covers Philadelphia proper, surrounding areas will see varied impacts. Exact amounts will vary based on minor shifts in temperature and storm track, but current estimates include:
- Philadelphia city: Likely between 2–4 inches of combined snow and sleet.
- Northwest and suburbs: Some areas may see closer to the higher end of the forecast, especially north of the city.
- Southern areas and coastal zones: Slightly lower totals with more sleet or freezing rain possible earlier in the event.
Snowfall rates may peak at times, and localized heavier bands could produce bursts of 1 inch per hour, especially in unsettled segments of the storm. While the storm is not expected to reach blizzard levels, the combination of precipitation types will complicate cleanup and travel.
Public Safety, School Closures & Event Changes
Due to ongoing hazardous conditions and the potential for continued accumulation:
- Some schools, community centers, and municipal facilities across the region have announced delays or closures for Saturday morning.
- Community events scheduled for today or early Saturday are being postponed or moved to later dates due to safety concerns.
- Emergency management agencies encourage residents to keep off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary.
These precautions are precautionary and aim to reduce accidents, allow road crews to work efficiently, and protect vulnerable populations during the storm.
Extended Outlook: What’s Next After This Storm
Once this winter storm system departs, weather philadelphia will remain chilly for the foreseeable future. The forecast indicates:
- Cold temperatures persisting through Sunday and into early next week, with highs only in the 30s.
- Occasional lingering flurries or freezing drizzle possible Sunday morning.
- A limited warm-up attempt later next week, but cold air is likely to remain entrenched across the region.
- Additional precipitation chances later in the forecast, though exact timing and impacts are not certain yet.
These conditions reflect the broader mid-Atlantic winter pattern, where cold air masses loop south from Canada and interact with moisture streams from the Gulf and Atlantic.
Practical Tips for Residents During This Storm
To stay safe and prepared during this active winter period, here are key tips tailored for weather philadelphia:
✔ Monitor local weather updates regularly. Conditions can change quickly during mixed precipitation events.
✔ Avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm hours. Snow and ice accumulation can make roads unsafe within minutes.
✔ Keep an emergency kit ready in vehicles. This should include blankets, food, water, and phone chargers.
✔ Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors. Ice and cold can pose serious health risks.
✔ Use caution walking on sidewalks and steps. Icy patches may linger even after snow ends.
Being proactive and staying aware can prevent injuries and reduce stress during severe winter weather.
What This Storm Means for the Future of Weather in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s winter weather patterns are known for their variability, sometimes from hour to hour. This storm highlights several key features of winter in this region:
- Marginal temperature profiles that produce a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain rather than just one precipitation type.
- Rapid transitions from harmless flurries to hazardous travel conditions.
- Cold air dominance through late December, maintaining winter hazards beyond the holiday.
Understanding these patterns helps residents and officials better plan for similar storms in the future.
How is this winter storm affecting your part of the Philadelphia region? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
