Monthly Archives: February 2017

Philadelphia Weather Outlook

Philly Weather Outlook

We’ve had an amazing stretch of anomalously warm weather this February.  After a stretch of temperatures in the 70s, we could easily believe that true Spring is around the corner.  Not so fast….

In past seasons where we had a very warm winter, it has been the case that colder patterns sometimes setup well into March and April.

While we will have another warm up this Wednesday, the extended range models are showing several outbreaks of cold weather for the first two weeks of March.

An Alberta Clipper may give us some light snow flurries late Thursday night.

Indeed, for the first time this season, the GFS is showing a possible major snowstorm for period around March 13th.   (I wouldn’t count on it.).

Either way, while it’s tempting to put away the winter coats, I wouldn’t do it yet.  And maybe keep that snow shovel handy as well.

Weather Updates

Philly Saturday Weather Update

A quick update on the timing of the showers and thunderstorms expected today:  Based on the HRRR and GFS LAMPS forecasts, the line of showers and thunderstorms moves into the immediate PHL area between 4 and 5 PM. (It moves through earlier in the far western suburbs.)

This morning’s models have downplayed the light quick showers that had been seen as a possibility around noontime.  Some scattered light showers may break out as early as 3-4 PM.

Philadelphia Area Weather Forecasts

Philly Weekend Weather Forecast

The anomalously warm southerly flow of air will be displaced by a strong cold front passage Saturday late afternoon into evening as the jet stream allows a more seasonably cold air influx into our region.

Saturday will start with cloudiness and a moderately strong southerly wind.  Some sun is expected to break through mid day and early afternoon before the frontal passage.  High temperatures around 72, higher if we get more sun.

The front is expected to move through early evening Saturday, but showers and some locally strong thunderstorms will move through ahead of the front anytime between 3-5 pm.

(The high resolution HRRR suggests that a preliminary brief line of showers may move through earlier, about noon.)

Following the frontal passage strong winds from the northwest will move in during the evening , with temperatures dropping.

Sunday will have a mix of sun and instability clouds. It will be windy and more seasonable, with highs about 45.