Get ready to end the year with an umbrella
“New Year’s Eve is going to be on the wet side of things,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Michael Lee.
No doubt more than a few Philadelphians emotionally spent over the presidential election, the city’s continuing gun violence (though improving), and high prices from persistent inflation are eager to wash away 2024.
Though perhaps not as literally as the weather forecast indicates.
“New Year’s Eve is going to be on the wet side of things,” said Michael Lee, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly.
Throughout the day Tuesday, temperatures will reach close to 55, a bit warmer than last year, but with “showers pretty much all night,” Lee said.
Rain and clouds are expected in the city as early as 1 p.m. Tuesday and are likely to continue until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day — which is good news for folks attending the 124th Philadelphia Mummers Parade.
As for the New Year’s Eve fireworks, the 6 p.m. display along the Delaware River waterfront appears likely to be the more comfortable one to watch. The forecast has heavy rain not expected to arrive until around 7 p.m. and lasting through the midnight fireworks on the waterfront. The shows happen rain or shine.
Hoping to escape the downpour by welcoming 2025 in Times Square?
Fate won’t have it that way, as New York City’s weather will not be much different from Philly’s, Lee said.
“There is still a chance for rain at midnight … 90% chance of rain, in 50 degrees,” he added.
But worry not, Philadelphia. There are plenty of things to do indoors and in Philly on the last day of the year, from cozy bars to early countdowns for the little ones. Just make sure to check what is open and closed beforehand.