Hard Freeze Ends Philly’s Growing Season, but Balmy PHL Is Spared
Philadelphia experienced a significant weather shift as a hard freeze swept through the region on Friday, officially ending the growing season. Sarah Johnson, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service Office in Mount Holly, indicated that temperatures dropped into the 20s across various locations.
Temperature Variations Across the Region
At Philadelphia International Airport, a notable anomaly occurred. The temperature there fell to 36°F, considerably warmer than nearby locations. Factors influencing this include the airport’s “heat island” effect, due to its proximity to runways and buildings.
- Ocean City, MD: 29°F
- Millville, NJ: 27°F
- Toms River, NJ: 23°F
The calm winds overnight contributed to the temperature variations. Such conditions can allow accumulated heat to escape, especially under stable high-pressure systems nearby.
Upcoming Weather Forecast
As Friday progressed, temperatures are expected to rise into the 60s. However, the National Weather Service issued a warning regarding the potential for outdoor fire dangers, attributed to the recent dry weather. Rain is anticipated overnight but will conclude before the annual Rocky Run event scheduled for 8 a.m. on Saturday.
- Expected Saturday Morning Temperatures: Mid-50s
- Wind: Light
Looking ahead to next week, temperatures are projected to drop significantly, reaching the 40s on Monday and Tuesday, coinciding with Veterans Day. Another frost is forecast for Tuesday morning, with Philadelphia International Airport facing a close call as temperatures dip again.
Temperature Measurement Challenges
A consensus among meteorologists suggests that the Philadelphia International Airport may not be the ideal site for temperature assessments. Despite this, it has served as the city’s climate monitoring station for 85 years. Relocating the station would disrupt the continuity of historical climate data.
Moreover, the airport’s automated observing system is incapable of measuring snowfall, necessitating human oversight around the clock for this task.
Customer Satisfaction Concerns
In addition to weather challenges, Philadelphia International Airport faced scrutiny in customer satisfaction. In the recent 2025 J.D. Power survey, it ranked last among major airports, a situation that remains unaffected by recent weather fluctuations or the federal government shutdown affecting operations.
