As we wake up to a somewhat milder Christmas morning in Philadelphia with temperatures hovering around the mid-30s, the National Weather Service Philadelphia has issued a forecast that suggests some nippy changes are on the horizon. Today's high is expected to reach 48°F with a slight chance of rain between 10 am and 11 am, transitioning to a calm night with a low around 24°F. However, the real buzz is the Winter Storm Watch that remains in effect as of early this Thursday morning, according to NWS Philadelphia.
Relishing in the calm before the proverbial storm, residents should note the imminent shift. Starting Friday afternoon, chances of snow increase to 60%, with less than an inch of accumulation expected. But that's just the chilled appetizer. The NWS has warned of heavy mixed precipitation from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning with snow, sleet, and potentially freezing rain in the mix. Driving during the holiday rush, the roads could present treacherous conditions and significantly impact travel plans.
Looking ahead, the forecast for Friday night indicates a surety of a messy mix. Snow, possibly sleet before 1 am, snow and sleet, possibly mixed with rain between 1 am and 4 am, then rain and snow after 4 am with new accumulations of 2 to 4 inches possible. But don't let the freezing temperatures fool you, the high on Saturday could reach 36°F, with rain possibly mixed with snow before 9 am and another chance of snow during the afternoon hours. The anticipated accumulations are modest, but the danger lies within the freeze as nighttime temperatures dip again.
The advisory from the National Weather Service includes potential ice accumulations of a light glaze and total snow and sleet accumulations between 2 and 5 inches for parts of east central, northeast, and southeast Pennsylvania. "Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute," points the advisory, highlighting the need to remain vigilant. Residents should consider packing emergency winter storm kits if they plan to brave the roadways, including essentials such as tire chains, a shovel, and ample warm clothing. Be advised, keeping water and a first aid kit in your vehicle might just tip survival odds in your favor, should you become stranded.
Rapid swings between freezing and thawing conditions are expected to create intermittent icy patches, particularly on untreated roads and sidewalks. Meteorologists and city officials are urging residents to avoid travel when possible and to use extreme caution if travel is necessary. Additional rainfall is possible late Sunday afternoon, with temperatures remaining in the upper 30s.
