Philadelphia, January 30, 2026
Philadelphia is currently experiencing a significant cold snap, marking its seventh consecutive day of below-freezing temperatures. With wind chills expected to feel as low as 5°F, a cold weather advisory remains in effect, presenting risks like hypothermia and frostbite. While the city may avoid major snowfall, a coastal storm could impact nearby regions with strong winds and icy conditions. The ongoing stretch of subfreezing temperatures is noted as one of the longest periods since 1979, urging residents to take necessary precautions.
Philadelphia Endures Prolonged Deep Freeze as Arctic Air Persists
Philadelphia is currently in the grip of a significant cold snap, with Friday, January 30, marking the seventh consecutive day of temperatures remaining below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) in the region. High temperatures today are expected to stay in the teens, while wind chills will make it feel as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Morning wind chills below zero are anticipated in many areas for the next several days.
A cold weather advisory is in effect for the entire Philadelphia region, extending through Saturday morning, January 31. This advisory highlights an increased risk of health impacts such as hypothermia and frostbite due to dangerously cold wind chills, which are expected to range between 0°F and -15°F.
Rare Cold Streak Continues
The ongoing stretch of cold weather is considered unusual for the area. Thursday, January 29, marked the sixth consecutive day with temperatures below 32 degrees, representing the longest such period since 2018. Should this trend continue through Sunday, January 31, it would officially become the longest consecutive stretch of below-freezing temperatures in Philadelphia since 1979. Forecasters do not anticipate temperatures rising above freezing until Tuesday, February 3, which would extend this remarkable period to 10 consecutive days of subfreezing conditions.
Daytime highs throughout the current week have typically ranged from 19 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit, with overnight lows consistently dropping into the single digits. Residents are urged to exercise caution due to existing icy conditions.
Weekend Weather Outlook
While the immediate Philadelphia area may avoid significant snowfall, a coastal storm is anticipated to impact portions of the region this weekend. Light to moderate snow accumulations and difficult travel conditions are possible for Southern Delaware and far Southeastern New Jersey on Saturday night into Sunday morning. Coastal areas of New Jersey and Delaware could also experience strong winds, gusting up to 50 mph, and minor coastal or tidal flooding. Current models suggest a diminishing threat of substantial snowfall for the city of Philadelphia itself, with a trend towards the storm missing the immediate urban area.
Historical Context of January’s Cold
January 2026 has been cooler than usual in Philadelphia, with average temperatures around 36°F, which is approximately 4°F below the typical seasonal average. The city generally experiences moderate snowfall during January. Historically, the record for the most days below freezing in Philadelphia occurred in 1915, with 165 days. As of January 23, 2026, Philadelphia had already experienced 17 days where the low temperature fell below 32 degrees Fahrenheit this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current temperature trend in Philadelphia?
- Philadelphia is experiencing a prolonged period of dangerously cold temperatures, with Friday, January 30, being the seventh consecutive day below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit).
- What are the expected high and wind chill temperatures for Friday, January 30?
- High temperatures on Friday are expected to stay in the teens, with wind chills making it feel as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Is there a cold weather advisory in effect for Philadelphia?
- Yes, a cold weather advisory is in effect for the entire Philadelphia region through Saturday morning, January 31.
- What risks are associated with the cold weather advisory?
- The advisory highlights an increased risk of hypothermia and frostbite due to dangerously cold wind chills, expected to range between 0°F and -15°F.
- How long is this cold streak expected to last?
- Temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing until Tuesday, February 3, marking 10 days of subfreezing conditions.
- What is the outlook for snow this weekend in Philadelphia?
- The immediate Philadelphia area may avoid significant snowfall, with models trending towards a total miss for the immediate city area from a coastal storm.
- What are the potential impacts of the coastal storm for other areas?
- Light to moderate snow accumulations and difficult travel conditions are possible for Southern Delaware and far Southeastern New Jersey. Strong winds gusting up to 50 mph and minor coastal/tidal flooding are also possible for coastal areas of New Jersey and Delaware.
- How does January 2026’s temperature compare to typical averages in Philadelphia?
- January 2026 has been cooler than usual, with average temperatures around 36°F, which is approximately 4°F below the typical seasonal average.
Key Weather Features in Philadelphia (January 28-30, 2026)
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Current Temperature Trend | Seventh consecutive day below freezing (32°F) as of January 30. | Philadelphia region |
| Expected High Temperature (Jan 30) | In the teens. | Philadelphia region |
| Expected Wind Chill (Jan 30) | Feels like 5°F. | Philadelphia region |
| Morning Wind Chills | Below zero expected in many areas. | Philadelphia region |
| Cold Weather Advisory | In effect through Saturday morning, January 31. | Entire Philadelphia region |
| Advisory Wind Chill Range | 0°F to -15°F. | Entire Philadelphia region |
| Duration of Subfreezing Temps | Expected to last until Tuesday, February 3 (10 days). | Philadelphia region |
| Weekend Snow Threat (Philadelphia) | Diminishing, models trending towards a total miss for the immediate city. | Philadelphia (city) |
| Coastal Storm Impacts | Light to moderate snow, strong winds (up to 50 mph), minor coastal/tidal flooding. | Southern Delaware, far Southeastern New Jersey, coastal areas of New Jersey and Delaware |
| January 2026 Average Temperature | 36°F (4°F below typical seasonal average). | Philadelphia |
| Icy Conditions | Caution advised due to icy conditions. | Philadelphia region |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
