As Philadelphia braces for the winter season, temperatures are taking a dip with the National Weather Service reporting a chilly 17°F early this morning. The city, known for its historical landmarks and bustling city life, is now experiencing a period of calm weather, with a sunny sky and a high near 27 degrees forecasted for today. The wind out of the northwest might add an edge to the day, zipping through streets and between buildings at speeds of 5 to 15 mph, so Philadelphians will need to bundle up. According to the National Weather Service's latest update, the wind chill could drop down to feel more like a biting 9°F.
Tonight's outlook is equally clear, albeit with temperatures expected to tumble to a low around 12 as per the NWS data. While the north wind will slow to a faint breeze around 5 mph, becoming calm in the evening, the cold is expected to settle firmly over the city's bones. Looking ahead to Monday, residents can expect the sun to continue its weak winter showing, with a high creeping up to nearly 31 degrees beneath calm winds that will later turn south.
The National Weather Service forecasts a 30% chance of snow and sleet from Monday night into Tuesday morning. If it does snow or sleet, accumulations are expected to be under half an inch, unlikely to stop last-minute holiday shopping or cover the city's ongoing challenges.
Indeed, unpredictability seems to be the watchword for this week's weather. According to the National Weather Service forecast, Tuesday presents a chance of snow and freezing rain before 10 am, which transitions to a possible mix with rain as temperatures rise to an almost-balmy high near 40 degrees. Christmas Day will be mostly sunny with a high of around 39°F, but the weekends with cloudy skies and a 30% chance of rain and snow mix from Friday night into Saturday.
