First Snow and Rain Expected in Philadelphia Region Amid Weather Shift

A significant weather shift is forecasted to impact the Philadelphia region starting Wednesday night, bringing the first snowflakes of the season to areas such as the Poconos, northern parts of the region, and potentially southern areas like Delaware and South Jersey.

While snow is anticipated to accumulate in the Pocono Mountains, residents in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs are unlikely to require their snow shovels. Schools are expected to remain open despite the weather changes.

After weeks of mild, sunny, and dry fall conditions in the Delaware Valley, this alteration in weather will be a noticeable change. All neighborhoods are expected to experience rain Wednesday night into early Thursday, followed by gusty winds. These conditions will set a chilly backdrop for snow anticipated late Thursday night into Friday.

The weather system moving in is complex, with potential for changes in conditions. The First Alert Weather Team will be providing ongoing updates on air and via digital channels.

The incoming warm front on Wednesday will mark the first significant rainfall the region has seen for some time. According to forecasts, rain, driven by a storm from the west, is expected to commence after sunset on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. The heaviest downpours should conclude by the Thursday morning commute, with isolated thunderstorms possible overnight.

By Thursday, winds are expected to gust up to 35 mph along coastal regions and approximately 25 mph in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. This wind activity will introduce colder air into the region.

Officials note that the Philadelphia area desperately needs this precipitation, with expectations of a half-inch of rain or more by Thursday morning. By Friday, certain parts of the region could see over an inch. This rainfall, while beneficial, will not significantly alleviate drought conditions but may help manage local fires.

Colder temperatures on Thursday night could transition precipitation into snow, particularly in regions like the Poconos and Lehigh Valley. Several inches of snow are anticipated in mountainous areas, while less than an inch may stick in the Lehigh Valley and Berks County.

The Pennsylvania and New Jersey suburbs, including Philadelphia, might remain dry overnight. However, snow may develop Friday morning as temperatures rise, leading to brief, scenic snowfalls that quickly melt upon contact with the ground.

Travel disruptions are not expected in the Philadelphia area, though a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for northern routes, potentially making travel challenging Thursday night into Friday.

Friday is expected to be the coldest day of the week, with high temperatures below normal, reaching only the 40s. Above-freezing temperatures suggest any snow will likely transition to rain during the day.

Conditions are forecasted to clear by Friday evening. Winds accompanying the storm might cause isolated power outages but are not anticipated to produce widespread severe impacts. Wind gusts of 25 to 30 mph could persist for several days before subsiding by Sunday.

Residents are encouraged to follow updates from the First Alert Weather Team and sign up for notifications to stay informed about urgent weather developments.