UPDATE: December 2023 was a notably frigid month for southeastern Pennsylvania, as new reports confirm an average temperature of just 35.0 degrees at Philadelphia International Airport. This marks a significant 3.6 degrees below normal and contributes to the ongoing winter woes that residents are eager to shake off.
The month brought a total of 4.5 inches of snow, with an additional eight days reporting a trace of snow, indicating that winter is firmly in grip. Compounding the dreariness, Philadelphia saw 12 days of overcast skies and only one day classified as mostly sunny, a stark contrast to the nine clear days seen in October. The weather was anything but cheerful.
According to the National Weather Service, December 2023 ranks as the fourth coldest of this century, behind only 2000, 2010, and 2005. Last month tied for the 44th coldest December in the Philadelphia database, alongside notable frigid months like December 1989, which set records for low temperatures.
The ongoing gloomy weather not only affects daily activities but also takes a toll on the local mood. With 11 days failing to reach even 40 degrees, residents have been left longing for brighter, warmer days. The bleak conditions are a far cry from the more temperate autumn months, where sunshine and milder temperatures were the norm.
Looking ahead, the forecast shows a much-needed respite from winter’s harshness. Meteorologists predict some sunshine and a slight warming trend over the next week, offering hope that the dreariness of December will soon give way to more pleasant weather.
As the community waits for winter’s grip to ease, residents are encouraged to stay updated on the latest weather developments. Local officials stress the importance of being prepared for fluctuating conditions as we transition into January.
Stay tuned for further updates as we monitor this evolving situation.
