UPDATE: December 2023 has officially been recorded as one of the coldest months in southeastern Pennsylvania, with an average temperature of just 35.0 degrees at Philadelphia International Airport. This temperature is a chilling 3.6 degrees below normal, marking it as the fourth coldest December this century.
Residents are feeling the impact of this dreary month, with a total of 4.5 inches of snow falling, compounded by eight additional days of trace snow recorded. As if that weren’t enough, there were also four days when only rain was observed, leading to a persistent overcast atmosphere that has left many Pennsylvanians feeling gloomy.
The National Weather Service reports that last month saw 12 days categorized as overcast and 18 days with at least partly cloudy conditions. Only a single day could be labeled as mostly sunny, with its rating barely scraping a 3 on the weather service’s scale. Comparatively, December 2022 had a slightly more bearable climate, with an average temperature that was a few degrees warmer.
This December’s weather has led to emotional strain for many, as 11 days failed to reach even 40 degrees, reminding residents of the long, cold winter ahead. Historical data shows that this December is tied for the 44th coldest out of 154 Decembers recorded in Philadelphia. The coldest December on record remains from 1900, with an average temperature of 25.4 degrees.
Fortunately, a change may be on the horizon. The forecast indicates that some much-needed sunshine and warmer conditions are expected in the coming week. This potential relief is crucial for residents weary of winter’s icy grip.
As we move into January, the community is left to ponder the emotional toll of this relentless cold. The severe weather conditions have not only impacted daily life but have also influenced local businesses, outdoor activities, and overall morale.
Stay tuned for further updates as the weather evolves, and keep an eye on the forecast for signs of a warming trend. This is a developing situation, and we will provide timely updates as they become available.
