Philadelphia is waking up to partly sunny skies and a high near 70°F on Friday, May 15 — comfortable and seasonable, but those northwest gusts up to 25 mph are the main story to watch today.
Today’s Setup
The Philadelphia weather forecast shows an upper low pressure system moving away through the morning, allowing skies to gradually clear through the afternoon. Winds will be northwest at 5 to 10 mph with gusts reaching 25 mph. Tonight eases to partly cloudy with a low near 53°F — open the windows and enjoy it.
Allergy heads-up: clearing skies combined with gusty winds will keep pollen moving across the Delaware Valley today. If grass and tree pollen has been hitting you hard this week, keep eye drops for allergy itch relief within reach.
Wind Risk: Secure the Yard Before You Head Out
Gusts up to 25 mph can send patio cushions airborne and tip lightweight planters. If you’re planning to set up a pop-up canopy tent with weights this weekend for outdoor entertaining, make sure it’s properly anchored before guests arrive. Take a quick walk around the deck or balcony now and secure anything loose.
Best Window To Be Outside
Your sweet spot is early to mid-afternoon as clouds break and temperatures approach 70°F. The Schuylkill River Trail and Fairmount Park will be in fine shape for a run, bike ride, or walk. With a warm weekend incoming, it’s also a great time to browse outdoor gear deals — including a UPF 50+ fishing shirt for $6.50 if you’re heading to the water Saturday or Sunday.
Weekend Warmup: Summer Arrives Early
Saturday turns stunning — sunny skies, calm winds, and a high near 82°F. Sunday climbs further to near 87°F with mostly sunny skies. The National Weather Service says an upper-level ridge building into the Eastern US will push temperatures well above normal through early next week, with mid to upper 80s and low 90s possible over parts of eastern Pennsylvania by Monday. If you’re headed to shore points — Atlantic City, Wildwood, or Cape May — expect it to run 5 to 10 degrees cooler near the coast.
Game Day at Subaru Park: Union vs. Columbus Crew
Saturday’s forecast sets up beautifully for the Philadelphia Union vs. Columbus Crew at Subaru Park on May 16. Expect clear skies and 82°F along the Delaware in Chester — prime outdoor soccer and tailgating weather. Rock a Philadelphia Union jersey or layer up in a Philadelphia Union scarf for the evening. Still need seats? Get tickets on SeatGeek before they’re gone.
Also Saturday: Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour plays the GIANT Center, and Lorna Shore hits Wind Creek Event Center. Sunday, August Burns Red & The Amity Affliction bring the Springs Horizons Tour to The Fillmore Philadelphia on May 17 — grab an August Burns Red t-shirt and Find tickets on StubHub.
Grill Tonight While the Weather’s Right
Near 70°F with clearing skies tonight is textbook backyard grilling weather. Fire it up for burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken with corn on the cob. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to nail your temps, and keep a grill brush and scraper set handy to prep the grates. Need to stock up? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s cookout delivered right to your door.
Next Few Days
Heat builds fast — mid to upper 80s by Monday, with low 90s possible over parts of eastern PA and inland South Jersey by Tuesday. The National Weather Service flags a cold front that should bring showers and thunderstorms into the region late Wednesday through Thursday, followed by temperatures moderating toward normal by the end of next week.
