If you thought you could coast through February without a big winter storm, think again. This week, Philly’s weather will put your patience—and your snow shoveling skills—to the test. Heavy snow, freezing rain, and sudden drops in temperature are on the way, and travel could get tricky fast. Here’s the full breakdown of what to expect and how to stay ahead of it.
Day-by-Day Breakdown of Philly’s Week of Weather Mayhem
Tuesday:
The snow starts rolling in during the late afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory starting at 4:00 PM, and by evening, the city could be covered in 2 to 4 inches of fresh snow. If you’re heading home during rush hour, be prepared for a slow and slippery ride. Roads will get slick quickly, so take it slow and give yourself plenty of time to get home safely. Overnight, the snow will continue before tapering off early Wednesday morning.
Wednesday:
Morning commutes will be a challenge, with leftover snow and slushy, icy patches on the roads. Early flurries will give way to cloudy skies, but don’t let that fool you—the weather isn’t done yet. Rain and freezing rain could move in by evening, creating a dangerous layer of ice over the existing snow. With temperatures around 35°F (2°C) during the day and dropping to 33°F (1°C) overnight, black ice could be a serious issue. Pedestrians, be careful—sidewalks could be just as slick as the streets.
Thursday:
Things warm up a bit as rain returns in the morning. The good news? The rain will help melt some of the snow. The bad news? As temperatures drop again in the evening, refreezing is likely. The high will reach 51°F (10°C), but by nighttime, the low will dip to 27°F (-3°C). If you’re driving after sunset, watch for icy patches. Any moisture left behind could freeze, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Friday:
Valentine’s Day brings sunshine and dry conditions, which will be a welcome break after the past few days. The high will hit 40°F (5°C), and the low will dip to 25°F (-4°C). If you’ve got plans for dinner or a night out, you won’t need to worry about snow or rain, but you’ll want to dress warmly—it’s going to be chilly.
Saturday:
Don’t get too comfortable, though. Clouds will roll back in, and by the afternoon, rain will make a return. The high will be 42°F (5°C), and wet conditions could lead to minor flooding in low-lying areas. The low will settle around 38°F (3°C), so it’ll stay mild enough to avoid freezing—for now.
Sunday:
The week wraps up with another round of rain in the morning, but things will dry out by mid-day. The bigger issue? A dramatic temperature drop by night. After reaching a high of 50°F (10°C), temperatures will plummet to 23°F (-5°C) overnight. With that kind of drop, any leftover water on the roads could freeze fast, so be cautious if you’re driving late Sunday or early Monday.
Why This Week’s Weather Is Serious Business
This isn’t just another cold, wintry week—this storm has the potential to cause real disruptions. The combination of heavy, wet snow and freezing rain can make roads treacherous, delay commutes, and even cause power outages if ice builds up on tree limbs and power lines. The constant temperature shifts will keep you on your toes, with melting snow one day and refreezing ice the next.
Here’s What to Watch Out For:
- Slick Roads and Black Ice: The snow followed by freezing rain means slippery streets and hidden patches of black ice, especially on bridges and untreated areas.
- Freezing Rain Complications: If freezing rain coats the snowpack, it’ll make shoveling difficult and driving even more dangerous.
- Power Outages: Wet, heavy snow combined with ice could stress tree branches and power lines. Be ready for potential outages.
- Refreezing Overnight: Even when things warm up during the day, temperatures will drop enough at night to refreeze wet surfaces.
How to Stay Prepared:
- Avoid Unnecessary Travel: If you can, stay off the roads during peak storm hours on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. If you do have to drive, take it slow and give yourself extra time.
- Stock Up on Essentials: Make sure you have groceries and supplies in case icy roads keep you indoors for a day or two.
- Prepare for Power Loss: Keep flashlights, batteries, and backup phone chargers handy.
- Shovel Early: Don’t wait until freezing rain hits—shovel snow while it’s fresh to make cleanup easier.
- Protect Pipes: Temperatures will dip below freezing at night, so insulate exposed pipes and let faucets drip to prevent them from bursting.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of Philly’s Winter Blast
Philadelphia winters are unpredictable, but this week’s storm is bringing a little bit of everything: snow, ice, rain, and sudden temperature drops. The key to getting through it is staying ahead of the game. Shovel early, stay off the roads during the worst of the storm, and have your emergency supplies ready.
