Bitter Cold Grips Philadelphia Region, Snow Potential Looms

Frigid temperatures, wind chills, and a possible coastal storm have officials activating emergency shelters.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:15pm

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The Philadelphia region is bracing for another bitterly cold day on Thursday, with a high of only 20 degrees and wind chills struggling to get out of the single digits. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for the next 10 days, marking one of the longest subfreezing streaks on record. In addition, forecasters are tracking the potential for a coastal storm this weekend that could bring accumulating snow, especially to the southern and eastern parts of the region.

Why it matters

The extended period of extreme cold poses risks to public health and safety, prompting officials to activate emergency warming centers and shelters. The potential for a winter storm adds further disruption and challenges for residents and local authorities.

The details

Thursday's forecast high of 20 degrees and wind chills as low as 9 degrees are just the start of a prolonged stretch of subfreezing temperatures. Forecasters say the region could see at least 10 consecutive days with highs below freezing, a streak that has only happened six times previously on record. Meanwhile, meteorologists are monitoring a potential coastal storm this weekend that could bring heavy snow to areas south and east of Philadelphia, though the track remains uncertain. If the storm does impact the region, it would be a different system than the one that brought significant snowfall last weekend.

  • Thursday: High of 20 degrees, wind chills as low as 9 degrees
  • Friday: High of 19 degrees, low of 3 degrees
  • Saturday: High of 25 degrees, low of 2 degrees
  • Sunday: High of 25 degrees, low of 15 degrees, tracking potential snow
  • Monday: High of 31 degrees, low of 17 degrees, cold start

The players

Philadelphia

The city has activated an Enhanced Code Blue due to the extremely cold temperatures, opening multiple warming centers throughout the city.

Bucks County

Bucks County issues a Code Blue whenever temperatures drop below 20 degrees, and provides information about shelter openings on the Housing Link website.

Chester County

Residents in need of temporary shelter, food, and clothing during the winter can call 211 or text their zip code to 898-211 for immediate assistance.

Delaware County

During a Code Blue, residents in need of shelter are encouraged to visit one of Delaware County's weather advisory relief centers.

Montgomery County

During a Code Blue, the county has additional resources for people experiencing homelessness, including access to temporary warming shelters, food, and clothing.

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What they’re saying

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— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

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— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.