Philadelphia

Bitter Cold Is Coming and Possibly 1st Flakes of the Season

With a bitter cold snap heading our way by workweek’s end, we could get the 1st snowflakes of the season

What to Know

  • With a cold snap heading our way by workweek’s end, we could get the first snowflakes of the season.
  • Most areas will get rain, but as temps dip Thursday night into Friday, some colder neighborhoods could get some snowfall.
  • Once the cold front blows in, frigid conditions that will feel below freezing are in place for Saturday and Sunday.

For the first time this season, the NBC10 First Alert Weather Team is talking about two four-letter words: cold and snow.

Come late Thursday, the first snowflakes of the season could be falling before a bitter cold snap takes hold across the Philadelphia region.

A mostly dry pattern is in place to start the week. The only chance for any precipitation was some scattered rain showers Tuesday morning.

Through Thursday, highs are expected to mostly be in the upper 50s to low 60s with lows mostly in the 30s to low 40s overnight. Be ready to bundle up for the morning commute.

The big change comes on Thursday night as a cold front roars in. We will have feels-like temps in Philadelphia go from the mid to upper 50s on Thursday afternoon to the teens by Saturday morning.

Cold Crash
NBC10
Feels-like temperatures in Philadelphia will crash heading into the weekend. See Larger

Most neighborhoods are expected to get rain Thursday. There could be a chance of snow overnight, if temperatures drop quickly enough along the cold front. Expect blustery winds Friday morning.

As of Tuesday morning, the likelihood of snow Thursday into Friday appeared to be less, but couldn't be ruled out.

Neighborhoods north and west are most likely to get any snow. There likely won’t be any accumulating snow. Also, look out for the potential of  slippery spots where water on the ground freezes.

Frigid conditions then grip the region through the weekend with highs in Philadelphia only getting in the low 40s Saturday and mid to upper 40s Sunday. Below-freezing lows are expected both Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Even if you don’t get any snow this week, there is a chance for accumulating snowfall next week as we track another system. It's too early, however,  to have a clear vision of what precipitation, if any, will fall. If snow accumulates it would be earlier than average in Philadelphia.

One way or another, winter is coming, so make sure you get your home, car and wardrobe ready now.

Now that it’s getting cold enough to see your breath, it’s the perfect time to get ready for winter. Miguel Martinez-Valle talked to some people about the changes in their routine and shares tips on how to prepare your car.

Stick with the NBC10 First Alert Weather Team on NBC10 News and in our app (download it now) for the latest on the frigid blast and the possibility of the first flakes of fall.

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