The Philadelphia region is experiencing milder conditions on Thursday, Jan. 22, with partly cloudy skies and highs in the upper 40s, providing a short break from the extreme cold earlier in the week. Overnight temperatures are expected to fall into the mid-30s, keeping conditions relatively moderate before colder air returns. Friday will bring similar temperatures, continuing the brief stretch of calmer weather before conditions deteriorate ahead of a major winter storm moving into the Delaware Valley this weekend.
Meteorologists are tracking a large winter storm expected to affect the Philadelphia area this weekend, with snowfall forecast to begin Sunday morning. Forecast timing differs by model. The European weather model shows snow starting between midnight and 6 a.m. Sunday, continuing through pre-dawn Monday morning, with light snow showers continuing into Monday morning. The American model projects snow beginning between 6 and 10 a.m. Sunday, lasting through noon, Monday, followed by light snow showers into Monday afternoon. Both models indicate blowing and drifting snow throughout Monday, which will complicate travel and snow removal efforts and create hazardous conditions for commuters and emergency responders.
Philadelphia is located on the northwestern edge of the storm system, placing snowfall totals heavily dependent on the storm’s track. Meteorologists say a 50- to 100-mile difference in the storm’s path could determine whether the region receives about 6 inches of snow mixed with sleet or 12 inches or more of all snow. Weather models show agreement that 6 to 12 inches or more of snow is possible across the Philadelphia area. If the storm tracks farther north or closer to the coast, the city could receive 6 to 8 inches of snow ending with sleet. If the system stays slightly south and farther offshore, snowfall totals could reach 8 to 12 inches or more of all snow. Forecasters also say localized areas could receive more than 12 inches of snow if the storm rapidly intensifies as it moves through the region.
Philadelphia is managing the incoming storm while continuing its cold-weather emergency response. An Enhanced Code Blue has been activated following the extreme cold earlier in the week. This higher-level alert is issued when a Code Blue extends beyond three consecutive nights, automatically activating expanded services and resources. The Office of Emergency Management has opened multiple warming centers across the city, all of which are free and open to the public. Residents who need assistance or who encounter someone at risk due to cold exposure are directed to call 215-232-1984 for help and emergency support.
Support systems are also in place throughout the surrounding counties. In Bucks County, a Code Blue is issued when temperatures drop below 20 degrees, with the option to activate alerts based on additional cold-weather factors; shelter information is available through the Housing Link website. Chester County residents who need temporary shelter, food, or clothing can get immediate help by calling 211 or texting their ZIP code to 898-211. In Delaware County, weather advisory relief centers operate during Code Blue conditions, and residents are encouraged to use these facilities when temperatures reach dangerous levels.
Municipal crews across the region are preparing equipment and salt supplies ahead of the weekend storm. While the storm’s timing may limit weekday travel disruption, conditions are expected to worsen again on Monday as continued snow showers and blowing snow affect roads and transit routes. Blowing and drifting snow on Monday is expected to keep driving conditions dangerous even after the heaviest snowfall ends, as wind redistributes snow across roadways.
Snow is expected to begin Sunday morning and continue into Monday, with final impacts dependent on the storm’s exact track. Areas separated by as little as 50 to 100 miles could experience very different accumulation totals. Friday’s mild weather provides the last opportunity for residents to prepare before conditions worsen. The National Weather Service continues to monitor the storm’s development and track, with more precise forecasts expected as the system moves closer to the region over the next 24 to 48 hours.
