Lower Bucks County is experiencing one final mild day on Friday before temperatures drop sharply and a major winter storm brings widespread snowfall across the region this weekend. Forecasts call for between 8 and 14 inches of snow, with totals dependent on the storm’s track.
Meteorologists report that the Philadelphia region sees milder conditions on Friday before snow develops Saturday night and intensifies Sunday.
Friday forecast for Bucks County:
- High: 36°F
- Sky: Sunshine and clouds mixed
- Wind: West-northwest 10–20 mph
- Sunrise: 7:16 a.m.
- Sunset: 5:08 p.m.
Friday night brings a rapid temperature drop:
- Low: 8°F
- Sky: Clear to partly cloudy
- Wind: North-northwest 10–20 mph
- Rapid temperature drop overnight
Cold conditions continue into Saturday:
- Sky: Partly cloudy
- High: Near 20°F
- Wind: North 5–10 mph
By Saturday night:
- Sky: Cloudy
- Snow develops late evening into overnight
- Low: Around 10°F
- Snow chance: 90%
- Early accumulation: 1–3 inches possible
Snow begins between midnight and 8 a.m. Sunday as temperatures drop into the teens. Initial snowfall is light and fluffy due to cold air already in place. As the storm system strengthens offshore, it pulls in warmer, moisture-rich air, increasing snowfall intensity. Heavier snowfall rates are expected within snowbands, where precipitation may exceed 1 to 2 inches per hour.
As warmer air enters the system, snowfall becomes heavier and wetter. Southeastern portions of the region face the potential for simultaneous sleet, freezing rain, and snow, increasing the risk of ice accumulation.
Sunday forecast for Bucks County:
- Morning: Snow
- Afternoon: Wintry precipitation
- High: 19°F
- Wind: Northeast 10–15 mph
- Precipitation chance: 100%
- Snow and ice totals: 8–12 inches
- Heavier amounts in persistent snowbands
- Sunrise: 7:15 a.m.
- Sunset: 5:10 p.m.
Sunday night:
- Evening: Wintry precipitation
- Late night: Mainly light snow
- Low: 18°F
- Wind: North-northeast 10–15 mph
- Precipitation chance: 90%
- Additional accumulation: 1–3 inches
- Heavier amounts in persistent snowbands
Forecasters are monitoring two storm track scenarios:
Farther-offshore track:
- Heavy snow
- Little or no sleet or freezing rain
- 10 to 16-plus inches along I-95, including:
- Philadelphia
- Wilmington
- Trenton
- South Jersey
- Chester County
- Delaware County
- Montgomery County
- Bucks County
Closer-to-shore track:
- Increased sleet and freezing rain
- 8 to 12 inches along I-95, including:
- Philadelphia
- Wilmington
- Trenton
- Northern Delaware
- South Jersey
- Montgomery County
- Bucks County
Sleet and freezing rain remain the primary factors affecting snowfall totals, with areas that remain all snow seeing rapid accumulation.
Forecasters warn of impacts across Lower Bucks County and the surrounding region, including power outages, airport cancellations, train delays, dangerous road conditions, and downed trees. The heavy, wet snow increases the risk of tree damage and utility disruptions. School delays and closings are highly likely on Monday, Jan. 26, as cleanup efforts continue. Road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly once snowfall rates increase on Sunday. The Philadelphia Parking Authority has indicated preparations for snow emergency procedures, though specific details were not provided.
The storm is followed by an extended period of very cold temperatures. Highs through the middle of next week remain in the low 20s, with overnight lows dropping into the single digits and potentially below zero during the coldest nights
Monday:
- Morning: Light snow
- Afternoon: Cloudy
- High: 27°F
- Wind: Northwest 10–20 mph
- Snow chance: 40%
- Night: Partly cloudy, low 8°F
Tuesday:
- Day: Sunshine with a few clouds, high 23°F
- Wind: West 10–15 mph
- Night: Clear to partly cloudy, low near 10°F, west 5–10 mph
Wednesday:
- Day: Mainly sunny, high 22°F
- Wind: West-northwest 10–15 mph
- Night: Cloudy, low 8°F, light and variable winds
Snow accumulation from the weekend storm is expected to remain on the ground through the end of January due to sustained cold temperatures.
Philadelphia has activated an Enhanced Code Blue due to extremely cold temperatures, a status used when a Code Blue lasts more than three nights in a row. Multiple warming centers throughout Philadelphia are open and free to the public. People who need help or who see someone in need during this cold-weather event can call 215-232-1984.
Meteorologists recommend residents finalize storm preparations on Friday while conditions remain mild, including gathering supplies, checking heating systems, and preparing for potential power outages. Weather teams will continue providing frequent updates as the storm approaches, with the exact track and final snowfall totals becoming clearer as the system develops. Travel conditions are expected to be hazardous on Sunday and Monday as snow removal and cleanup operations proceed.
