Philly Braces for Potential Nor'easter This Weekend

Models disagree on snow vs. rain for the region as forecasters monitor a developing storm system.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Forecasters are closely watching a potent low-pressure system that could develop into a major nor'easter along the East Coast by Sunday, potentially bringing heavy snow, coastal flooding, and strong winds to the Philadelphia region. However, weather models remain in disagreement about the exact impacts, with some predicting rain and others forecasting significant snowfall.

Why it matters

Philadelphia has already seen significant snowfall this winter, and another major winter storm could disrupt travel, cause power outages, and require additional snow removal efforts from the city's public works department. The uncertainty around the storm's track and precipitation type also makes it challenging for residents to prepare.

The details

The potential nor'easter is expected to bring precipitation to the area overnight Sunday into Monday, when temperatures are forecast to drop into the 30s. FOX Weather says the storm could "bomb out" offshore, leading to a threat of heavy snow, coastal flooding, and strong winds. However, local meteorologist Drew Anderson noted on Instagram that the weather models are showing "180's" in their predictions, indicating a high level of uncertainty.

  • Mild and cloudy conditions are expected through Friday, with highs in the 40s and a chance of rain.
  • Temperatures will reach the 50s on Saturday before plummeting back into the 30s on Sunday and the days ahead.

The players

FOX Weather

A weather forecasting service that is monitoring the potential nor'easter and warning of the possibility of heavy snow, coastal flooding, and strong winds.

Drew Anderson

A meteorologist at FOX 29 in Philadelphia who noted the significant disagreement among weather models in predicting the storm's impacts.

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What they’re saying

“Current guidance suggests the storm could 'bomb out' offshore, bringing a threat of heavy snow, coastal flooding, and gale-force winds to major metropolitan areas from the Mid-Atlantic through southern and eastern New England.”

— FOX Weather (FOX Weather)

“When you see 180's like that, the models have no idea.”

— Drew Anderson, Meteorologist (Instagram)

What’s next

Forecasters will continue to monitor the developing storm system and provide updates on the potential impacts for the Philadelphia region in the coming days.

The takeaway

The uncertainty around this weekend's weather highlights the challenges of predicting major winter storms, especially in the era of rapidly changing climate patterns. Residents should stay tuned to local weather reports and be prepared to adjust their plans as the forecast becomes clearer in the days ahead.