Philadelphia is waking up warm and windy. As of Tuesday morning, May 5, 2026, skies are cloudy and temperatures are hovering near 63°F at Philadelphia International Airport, but the city will heat up fast into the mid-80s as southwest winds strengthen through the midday and afternoon commute.
Afternoon Heat And Strong Gusts
By this afternoon, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, expect mostly sunny skies to help push highs to about 85°F. Southwest winds are forecast around 10 to 20 mph, with gusts that could reach up to 35 mph. As the heat peaks, relative humidity is expected to drop into the mid-20s to mid-30s, creating a limited fire-weather concern for the drier inland neighborhoods.
Officials with the National Weather Service Mount Holly say they are keeping a close eye on fuel moisture and could issue a Special Weather Statement if conditions tighten up any further.
Boaters And Bridges
Out on the water, things are expected to get choppy. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for ocean waters and parts of Delaware Bay from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday, with building seas and gusty southerly winds making for a rough ride. Mariners are urged to postpone nonessential trips and to check local marine forecasts before heading out.
On land, drivers crossing exposed bridges should be ready for stronger cross-winds, especially later in the day. For more local context on how this windy warm-up is playing out, see our earlier forecast: Philly Starts Cool, Then Cooks.
Midweek Showers Will Be Short-Lived
A cold front sweeps in on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, bringing showers and a chance of thunderstorms, particularly from midday into the afternoon. Rain amounts look modest, with most spots picking up just a few tenths of an inch and some isolated pockets a bit higher. Expect damp commutes and slower travel, but not the kind of soaking that usually leads to widespread flooding issues.
