Philadelphia Weather Radar

Philadelphia Live Weather

Philadelphia Live Weather Radar

Click to toggle between the Philadelphia cloud cover radar map and the Philadelphia precipitation radar map.

Philadelphia Hourly Weather Forecast

Philadelphia 7-Day Weather Forecast

Philadelphia Weather Overview

Philadelphia sits on the Atlantic Coastal Plain between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, where humid subtropical weather drives year-round precipitation and sharp seasonal swings. The NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly office (WFO PHI) monitors the Delaware Valley region, which averages about 44 inches of rainfall and 22 inches of snowfall annually. The Philadelphia weather radar is critical for tracking the varied storm systems that affect this corridor between New York and Washington.

Nor'easters are the city's biggest multi-threat weather events. These massive coastal storms deliver heavy snow, high winds, and river flooding — often simultaneously. The Blizzard of 1996 buried Philadelphia under a record 30.7 inches of snow, and Snowmageddon in February 2010 dropped 44.3 inches within a single week. Tropical remnants hit hard too — Hurricane Ida's remnants in September 2021 pushed the Schuylkill River within an inch of the 1869 all-time flood record and spawned confirmed tornadoes across the metro area. Watching the weather radar in Philadelphia during these events gives you lead time to take cover or reroute.

Severe thunderstorms roll through from spring to early fall, producing damaging winds, hail, and flash flooding — especially in low-lying neighborhoods like Eastwick that were built on former marshland. Summer heat waves drive temperatures past 100°F, and the city's all-time record of 107°F was set in July 1936. Philadelphia weather radar tracks fast-moving storm cells across the metro so you can react before conditions shift.

Philadelphia Weather Risks & Safety

Key weather hazards to monitor on the Philadelphia weather radar

Nor'easter Risk

Nor'easters are Philadelphia's biggest multi-threat storms — heavy snow, powerful winds, and coastal flooding all at once. They track up the Eastern Seaboard from fall through early spring and can grind the city to a halt for 24 to 48 hours. On the radar you can see the precipitation bands wrapping around the storm center and track exactly where the heaviest snow or rain is falling. Past nor'easters have buried Philadelphia under record snowfall with widespread power outages.

Flooding & Flash Flood Risk

Flash flooding is Philadelphia's most persistent weather hazard. Slow-moving thunderstorms or tropical moisture can dump enough rain to overwhelm drainage systems within hours — especially in paved urban areas where water has nowhere to go. Check the radar to see where the heaviest rain is falling and which areas to avoid. The standing rule: turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.

Severe Thunderstorm Risk

Severe thunderstorms roll through Philadelphia regularly, especially spring through early fall. Expect damaging winds above 58 mph, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The radar shows you each storm cell's position, movement, and intensity — so you can tell if one is headed your way. When a thunderstorm warning drops for Philadelphia, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.

Extreme Heat Risk

Summers in Philadelphia get dangerously hot — heat indices regularly push past 100°F, and heat waves can last for weeks. When the radar shows clear skies with no storm activity for days, that usually means the heat is building. Outdoor workers, elderly residents, and anyone without reliable AC are most at risk. Stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and check on neighbors who might be struggling.

How to Use Philadelphia Weather Radar

Follow these steps to get the most from the Philadelphia weather radar data.

Check Current Conditions

Look at the weather status bar at the top of the Philadelphia radar page. It shows temperature, humidity, wind speed, and current conditions at a glance before you head out into the Delaware Valley.

Watch the Radar for Incoming Storms

The radar map shows precipitation moving across the Philadelphia metro area. Hit play on the animation to see whether nor'easters, thunderstorms, or rain bands are approaching and how fast they're moving.

Review the Hourly and 7-Day Forecast

Scroll to the hourly forecast to plan around afternoon thunderstorms or approaching winter storms. The 7-day view helps you prepare for nor'easters or heavy rain days ahead in Philadelphia.

Plan Around Philadelphia Weather

Rain moving in before your commute on I-76 or I-95? Reschedule outdoor plans. Nor'easter approaching? Check back hourly — Philadelphia weather shifts fast when coastal storms track up the Eastern Seaboard.

Who Benefits from Philadelphia Weather Radar

How different people use the Philadelphia radar data

Commuters & Drivers

Check radar before driving I-76 or I-95 — spot storms, flooding, and snow squalls on your route.

Outdoor Enthusiasts

Runners on the Schuylkill River Trail — see nor'easters and thunderstorms 30 minutes out.

Event Planners & Families

Planning events at Citizens Bank Park? Radar shows exactly when rain hits South Philly.

Outdoor Workers

Construction crews across the Delaware Valley — check radar before outdoor work. Storms bring fast hail.

Philadelphia Weather FAQ

Common questions about Philadelphia weather patterns and radar

When is nor'easter season in Philadelphia?

Nor'easters hit Philadelphia most often from October through April, with the heaviest impacts in January and February. These coastal storms bring heavy snow, flooding, and winds that can exceed 50 mph. The Blizzard of 1996 dropped a record 30.7 inches on the city in a single event. Monitor the radar closely when a nor'easter is forecast to track up the coast toward the Delaware Valley.

How much snow does Philadelphia get per year?

Philadelphia averages about 22 inches of snowfall per year, though individual seasons vary widely. Some winters bring barely a dusting, while the 2009-2010 season saw over 78 inches total. February is typically the snowiest month. Most snow arrives with nor'easters and coastal storms tracking along the Eastern Seaboard, and the Philadelphia weather radar shows exactly where snow bands are falling.

What was the worst weather disaster in Philadelphia?

The Blizzard of 1996 and Hurricane Ida's remnants in 2021 rank among the worst. The 1996 blizzard dumped a record 30.7 inches of snow, shutting down the city for days. In September 2021, Ida's remnants pushed the Schuylkill River within an inch of the 1869 all-time flood record and spawned confirmed tornadoes across the metro area.

Does Philadelphia get hurricanes?

Direct hurricane hits are rare, but tropical storm remnants cause major damage in Philadelphia. Hurricane Agnes in 1972 pushed the Schuylkill River to its second-highest crest at 14.65 feet. Hurricane Hazel in 1954 produced a 94 mph wind gust at Philadelphia International Airport. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, and storms making landfall along the Southeast coast often push heavy rain into the Delaware Valley.

What type of climate does Philadelphia have?

Philadelphia has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and temperatures that sometimes exceed 100°F — the record high is 107°F from July 1936. Winters bring cold Canadian air with average lows near 26°F. The city receives about 44 inches of rain and 22 inches of snow annually, according to NOAA 1991-2020 normals.

How is this radar different from 6abc or FOX 29 Philadelphia weather radar?

6abc and FOX 29 pair their radar with meteorologist analysis and live storm coverage during active severe weather — valuable when major nor'easters or thunderstorms threaten the area. This page provides a lightweight, ad-free alternative with interactive RainViewer radar maps, Open-Meteo hourly forecasts, and a 7-day outlook for Philadelphia. Radar imagery updates approximately every 10 minutes. Bookmark this page for fast radar access without video autoplay.