Overview
Philadelphia, with a population of 5,683,533, has experienced significant climate changes over the years. The data from multiple stations in the region indicates a warming trend.
Philadelphia has warmed by 1.65°C from 1892–1906 to 2001–2025.
Climate Data
The observation period spans from 1892 to 2025, covering 92 years of climate data. The average temperature during the first decade (1892–1906) was 11.54°C, while the last decade (2001–2025) averaged 13.19°C. This represents a warming of 1.65°C.
- Mean temperature 2015–2024: 13.2°C
- Mean temperature 1890–1900: 11.92°C
- Warming since 1980: ~0.45°C
Climate Trends
The data shows a clear trend of increasing temperatures. The mean temperature from 1991 to 2020 was 13.15°C, compared to the national benchmark of 14.93°C for the top 500 cities.
Context
In comparison to Paris, Philadelphia's temperatures are 0.55°C higher, highlighting the regional variations in climate impacts.
Climate Impacts
- Increased risk of heat waves.
- Potential for more severe drought conditions.
- Changes in local ecosystems.
Temperature Records
The record warmest year was 2002, with a temperature of 14.12°C, while the coldest recorded temperature was 9.93°C in 1904.
| Year | Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 14.12 |
| 1999 | 13.97 |
| 2006 | 13.78 |
| 1990 | 13.74 |
| 2001 | 13.74 |
From a long-run perspective, the climate data indicates significant warming trends affecting Philadelphia.