Arctic blast returns as weekend snow threat grows in Philadelphia and New Jersey

Introduction

• Dangerous arctic air has returned to the region, bringing record low temperatures and dramatic temperature drops.

• A weekend system could bring rain and snow to Philadelphia and New Jersey, with a polar vortex affecting storm chances.

• Rain and snow showers are possible Sunday morning before temperatures plummet into the teens.

Philadelphia – As arctic air settles over the region this week, Philadelphia is bracing for another round of severe cold that could lead to snowfall over the weekend and a return to the I-95 corridor. Temperatures have already dropped sharply, and forecasters warn that colder air will move in again by Saturday and Sunday.

Fox Weather described the pattern as an “Arctic blast,” with a second wave of extreme cold weather expected over the weekend.

what we know

Temperatures plummeted across Pennsylvania early Monday, with some parts of the state experiencing some of the coldest wind chills in the country. On December 9, the wind chill in Lewis Run, Pennsylvania, reached minus 18 degrees Fahrenheit, ranking among the top five coldest in the country.

Temperatures in Philadelphia have dropped about 10 degrees in the past 24 hours, and while temperatures may briefly warm up Wednesday, forecasters say the cold will return over the weekend.

The next storm system will arrive on Sunday with morning showers and snow showers. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-30s before dipping into the teens Sunday night. Any lingering precipitation may freeze quickly on untreated surfaces.

There’s a chance of snow this weekend

Forecast models continue to track developing systems affected by the polar vortex, a large low-pressure area that can push extreme cold weather southward into the Northeastern United States. Fox Weather said this setup introduces “several pieces of the puzzle,” meaning snowfall coverage and intensity will depend heavily on how cold air interacts with incoming moisture.

Early forecasts show:

• Light snow possible across much of Pennsylvania and New Jersey

• There may be moderate snow in some areas farther north

• Extreme cold may keep precipitation as snow at high altitudes

Early weekend outlook for Philadelphia:

• Saturday (12/13): Mostly cloudy, with the highest temperature around 40 degrees and the lowest temperature close to 28°

• Sunday (12/14): A mix of rain and snow with morning showers, highs in the 30s and lows in the teens

While totals remain uncertain, confidence is growing that any precipitation will occur while the air returns to sub-zero temperatures, increasing the likelihood of smooth travel Sunday into Monday morning.

Why this pattern is important

The continued blast of arctic air increases the likelihood that precipitation will come in the form of snow rather than rain over the weekend. Well-below-average temperatures in the area also mean untreated roads, sidewalks and bridges can quickly freeze over.

For Philadelphia and New Jersey, even light snow combined with extreme cold can cause:

• Heating system pressure

• Increased risk for exposed populations

what’s next

Forecasters expect snow forecasts to become clearer by late Thursday as the effects of the polar vortex become clearer. Residents of Philadelphia, South Jersey and the I-95 corridor should pay close attention to the latest weather forecasts.

source

This article is based on forecast details and local temperature observations provided by FOX Weather.