Philadelphia is waking up to a messy mix of light snow and leftover ice, with flakes falling at Philadelphia International Airport and temperatures stuck around 34°F as of 5:35 a.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Melted snow from earlier in the week has refrozen on untreated surfaces, and this new coating of snow is just enough to hide black ice on side streets, bridges and parking lots. Commuters should build in extra time this morning and take it slow on both the roads and the sidewalks.
What To Expect Today
Snow is likely through the morning, then fades to a chance of rain and snow between mid and late morning before skies clear and the high pushes into the mid 40s. Most city neighborhoods are expected to see less than a half-inch of accumulation, with spots north and west of the metro possibly picking up up to an inch.
Out on the water, Small Craft Advisories remain in effect for the coastal waters with 4 to 7 foot seas and southwest gusts into the 20s, making for hazardous boating conditions this afternoon, according to NWS Mount Holly.
Black Ice And The Morning Commute
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement warning that “black ice is difficult to see and makes roads very slippery” as runoff from earlier melt refreezes overnight. A light dusting of new snow can easily hide those icy patches, setting up unexpectedly slick spots on untreated surfaces in the pre-dawn and morning hours.
Local reporting notes the city is still digging out from earlier heavy snowfall, which means shaded or unplowed areas are especially prone to black ice. Drivers are urged to slow down and leave plenty of extra stopping distance, as reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Local Response And Tips
City crews are still concentrating on major arteries after Sunday’s storm, so neighborhood streets may be slower to clear. Check 311 and the city’s plow maps before heading out, and be ready for delays on side streets.
SEPTA riders should double-check for service alerts in case of weather-related slowdowns, and anyone behind the wheel should treat intersections, sidewalks and overpasses with extra caution, where black ice often lurks.
For background on the overnight clipper and the city’s response, see our earlier update on how a late-night clipper sneaks in snow.
By midday, most of this light snow should melt as temperatures rise, improving conditions on the main roads. Even so, stubborn icy patches can hang on into the afternoon in colder spots. Forecasters are already watching for another shot of light wintry mix later this week and into early next week, so it is worth checking updated guidance from NWS before making evening plans.
