Philadelphia, PA – Gardeners across the Delaware Valley need to protect sensitive vegetation immediately as a Freeze Warning remains in effect until 9 a.m. Tuesday. While the morning sun will quickly burn off the frost, temperatures starting at a crisp 35 degrees mean an icy windshield is likely for those parked outside. This cold snap is the primary concern for the next few hours, but the dry weather won’t last long as a shift in the pattern brings moisture to the region by tonight.
According to the National Weather Service, clouds will increase after sundown, leading to a 40 percent chance of showers after 2 a.m. Wednesday. The rain is expected to pick up in intensity during the early morning hours, with a 60 percent chance of precipitation likely to impact the Wednesday morning rush on I-95 and the Schuylkill Expressway. While rain totals are expected to be light—generally less than a tenth of an inch—the timing could create slick conditions just as traffic volume peaks.
The mid-week dampness acts as a brief transition into a much warmer stretch. After the showers taper off before 8 a.m. Wednesday, the Philadelphia area will see a significant temperature jump. Thursday looks to be the pick of the week, with clear blue skies and a high reaching near 75 degrees. It’s a drastic swing from Tuesday’s freezing start, so you’ll want to swap the heavy coat for lighter layers within 48 hours.
Rain chances linger into the weekend, specifically on Saturday when another system moves through. For now, focus on protecting plants this morning and prepping for a wet commute on Wednesday.
Five Day Forecast for Philadelphia, PA
- Tuesday: Sunny, High 58
- Wednesday: Showers Likely, High 63
- Thursday: Sunny, High 75
- Friday: Partly Sunny, High 70
- Saturday: Showers Likely, High 57
