The National Weather Service in Philadelphia is forecasting a chilly start to the month with overcast skies and brisk breezes today. The city's current temperature is sitting at a cool 36°F (2°C), with north winds gusting at speeds up to 23 mph. The barometric pressure reads 29.95 in (1014.0 mb), and with humidity at 67%, this February weather is not to be underestimated as visibility stands firm at 10 miles despite overcast conditions. A wind chill making it feel like it's 24°F (-4°C) serves as a reminder to residents to bundle up before heading outside.
According to the detailed forecast by the National Weather Service, after a mostly cloudy morning, we should expect to see gradual clearing. But don't let this fool you - temperatures are projected to drop to around 38°F, as the north wind continues to blow roughly around 15 mph. Tonight, increasing clouds are expected to bring temperatures down even further to a low around 21°F.
The outlook for tomorrow doesn't promise much relief. The forecast anticipates mostly cloudy skies with a high near 40°F. A slight wind change is on the horizon with the calm wind expected to become southeast around 5 mph in the morning. Tomorrow night's temperatures will hover around 35°F; the south wind is set to shift southwest post-midnight.
Roll into the workweek, Monday offers a little respite with partly sunny conditions and temperatures climbing up to 55°F. It seems as though the heart of the city might momentarily to forget the grip of winter. The warmer trend appears to be short-lived as the week progresses. Tuesday's forecast says it will be mostly sunny with a high near 50°F, yet by Wednesday, there is a 40% chance of rain and snow mix after 1 p.m. with an equally cloudy outlook and a high near 40°F.
Looking ahead, Wednesday night through Thursday threatens to bring more precipitation, with rain likely and a 60% chance. Temperatures on Thursday will swing, becoming milder with a high near 56°F. While the week's end seems to turn a corner with Friday to be mostly sunny and a high near 44°F, stepping out into the city might require pauses beneath awnings and an umbrella at the ready to brave these February elements.
