Philadelphians can expect an assortment of weather conditions this week. The city woke up to a few clouds and chilly temperatures this morning, with the mercury sitting at a cool 36°F and high levels of humidity making the air feel thicker and closer than one might expect in December. With calm winds for now, the barometer reads 30.28 in (1025.3 mb), a sign of the approaching precipitation, according to the National Weather Service in Philadelphia. Visibility remains clear at 10 miles, making the early commute less troublesome for residents.
Looking ahead, the NWS forecasts an increasing likelihood of rain later in the day. "Rain likely, mainly after 5pm," the report states, pointing to a rise in temperatures peaking at around 51 degrees. Southeastern winds will provide a slight relief from the stillness, averaging about 5 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation today is marked at 60%, and while the expected rainfall amounts to less than a tenth of an inch, it's enough to encourage the use of umbrellas and raincoats.
The rain is projected to continue into the evening, primarily before 1 a.m., with nighttime temperatures dropping to a low around 37°F. Winds are expected to shift and intensify, heralding a cold front with gusts reaching as high as 20 mph. With a 90% probability, precipitation tonight is more of a certainty than a possibility, and Philadelphians should prepare for new accumulation of rain between a tenth and a quarter of an inch.
The latter part of the week promises clearer skies. Tomorrow should welcome sunshine with a high near 45 degrees and a north wind moving at a gentle 5 to 10 mph. As the week draws to an end, however, there's a chance for the weather to turn again; the NWS predicts a 50% chance of rain after 10 a.m. on Friday, potentially mixing with snow later in the day as temperatures drop. While no significant accumulation is expected, the mix of rain and snow bargains to add some variability to the urban landscape.
Those planning weekend activities should look forward to a mostly sunny Saturday with highs around 35°F. The clear skies are set to continue into the night, but with a significant drop in temperature to about 18°F. Sunday and Monday follow suit with sunny conditions, though the early workweek may see more clouds moving in. Head over to the National Weather Service website for the full forecast and any updates as conditions change.
