{"id":109605,"date":"2026-02-10T00:58:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T00:58:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/109605\/"},"modified":"2026-02-10T00:58:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T00:58:08","slug":"why-phillys-warm-up-wont-save-you-from-the-frozen-slushie-that-is-our-city-yet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/109605\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Philly\u2019s warm-up won\u2019t save you from the frozen slushie that is our city (yet)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Philadelphia is flirting with something that feels downright balmy this week: daytime highs nudging close to 40 degrees, starting Tuesday. Cue the hopeful looks at dirty snowbanks, the optimistic Instagram stories, the \u201cmaybe I don\u2019t need boots\u201d energy.<\/p>\n

But if you\u2019re counting on this brief warm-up to wipe winter clean, meteorologists have some bad news. Most of that snow and ice isn\u2019t going anywhere \u2014 at least not in the way residents might wish.<\/p>\n

40\u00b0 isn\u2019t that warm \u2014 especially for snow that\u2019s been sitting awhile<\/p>\n

Snow doesn\u2019t melt instantly the moment the thermometer hits 32\u00b0. Once it\u2019s been compacted by plows, cars, and foot traffic, it becomes denser \u2014 more ice than fluff. That packed snow needs sustained warmth, not a few afternoon hours hovering near 40, to really break down.<\/p>\n

Overnight lows matter, too. When temperatures dip back below freezing after sunset, any daytime melting slows or refreezes, locking that ice right back in place.<\/p>\n

Today is Monday, February 9th. This afternoon is the start of our region beginning the climb out of the bitter cold conditions, which will be more noticeable on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, the dangerous cold continues through this morning. Stay warm! #pawx<\/a> #mdwx<\/a> #dewx<\/a> #njwx<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/2MrMZtxaOF<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) February 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The sun angle is still working against us<\/p>\n

Even on a \u201cwarm\u201d February or early-March day, the sun is weaker than people expect. Shorter days and a lower sun angle mean less solar energy reaching sidewalks, streets, and shaded corners \u2014 the exact places where snow lingers longest.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why south-facing lawns might show grass first, while north-side stoops and alleyways stay icy for days. Winter knows where to hide.<\/p>\n

Salt can only do so much<\/p>\n

Road crews and residents have already put down plenty of salt, but salt\u2019s effectiveness drops as temperatures fall \u2014 and it doesn\u2019t magically erase thick ice. Instead, it often creates a thin layer of meltwater on top, which can refreeze overnight into that extra-slick sheen everyone loves to hate.<\/p>\n

Translation: the slush may look promising at 3 p.m., but it\u2019s plotting its comeback by morning commute time.<\/p>\n

\"\"From 6ABC<\/p>\n

Snowbanks melt from the edges, not the middle<\/p>\n

Those gray, gritty piles along curbs are basically mini glaciers. They melt slowly from the outside in, which means days of runoff puddles \u2014 and nights of refrozen ice \u2014 before they actually disappear.<\/p>\n

So yes, you might see some shrinking. But a full snowbank collapse? That takes days of temperatures well above freezing, not a brief flirtation with spring.<\/p>\n

\"\"Residents placed trash and recycling between huge piles of snow in Philadelphia\u2019s Fishtown neighborhood on February 6, 2026. (Kimberly Paynter\/WHYY)<\/p>\n

The takeaway<\/p>\n

This week\u2019s near-40\u00b0 weather will soften things, not solve them. Expect patchy melting, soggy corners, and icy leftovers \u2014 especially in the morning and in shaded spots.<\/p>\n

But there is hope. Next Monday is the first forecast night where temperatures are expected to stay north of freezing since, oh, 2016 (OK, January), which is what we actually need to stop the melt-and-refreeze cycle. It might even rain, which would help, too. The two days after that look similar temp-wise, if drier.\u00a0<\/p>\n

So one more week and maybe you can bravely cross a street again. Believe it, Philadelphia!<\/p>\n

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