Today is not the day to push for that PR; think of it more as an obstacle course than a race.
- Ice, Ice, Baby (and not the good kind): The "Blizzard of 2026" dumped a significant amount of snow, up to 14 inches at Philly International, just a couple of days ago. While the city's digging out, those clear skies today mean whatever melted yesterday is now a fresh sheet of black ice, especially in shaded areas and on untreated sidewalks and trails. Your ankles will thank you for taking it easy.
- Brutal Chill: While the "Code Blue" for extreme cold officially lifted this morning, it was in effect until 9 AM today. Even with a clear sky, the air is still biting, and wind chills can make it feel much colder. Hypothermia is no joke, even for a short run.
- Urban Debris Field: Those strong winds we had with the storm, gusting up to 45 mph, didn't just bring snow; they brought down trees and branches. City Parks and Rec crews have already responded to over 100 downed trees. Expect scattered debris on less-trafficked paths.
The Rundown
Alright, Philly, let's talk turkey. We just got absolutely hammered by a "historic and crippling blizzard". While the sun's out now and the worst of the snow is technically over, February 25th is presenting us with the aftermath, and it's a minefield for runners and walkers alike.
First, that beautiful clear weather we've got? It's a double-edged sword. While it feels like a good day to finally get outside after being cooped up, all that snow and slush from the past few days has been melting and refreezing. You're going to encounter treacherous icy patches everywhere, particularly on sidewalks, bike lanes, and unplowed sections of parks. Don't even think about hitting top speed on the Schuylkill River Trail unless you're packing some serious microspikes. Even then, proceed with extreme caution. We've had enough slips and trips out there to last us until spring.
Black Ice is Your Enemy! Assume every wet patch on sidewalks and roads is ice. Untreated areas and shaded spots are prime candidates for nasty falls. Shorten your stride, slow your pace, and consider wearing footwear with aggressive traction. A twisted ankle or worse is a sure way to derail your training for weeks.
Then there's the cold. Even though the "Code Blue" for below-freezing temperatures that was in effect for the past few days has just ended, it's still hovering around freezing. Couple that with any lingering wind, and you're looking at potential frostbite if you're not properly layered. Those "feels like" temperatures are what really matter.
Air quality isn't great, sitting at a moderate 63 AQI due to fine particulate matter. For most of us, that's probably not a deal-breaker, but if you've got asthma or other respiratory issues, take note. It's not a "Code Orange" level, but it's not exactly mountain air either.
Watch for Downed Trees & Debris: The blizzard brought strong winds. Parks & Recreation crews have already addressed over 100 downed trees. Keep an eye out for fallen branches, power lines (seriously, avoid those), and general storm-related detritus, especially on less-traveled paths in places like Fairmount Park.
Finally, if your usual route takes you near Logan Circle, expect ongoing disruptions. Construction to revamp the sidewalks and ADA ramps around the circle means lane closures and limited pedestrian access, a project that started in December and will run through May 2026. It's a mess, even without the snow. And remember, PennDOT has a bunch of other construction projects around the city, so always be alert for detours or unexpected obstacles.
Layer Up Smart: Stick to moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a windproof/water-resistant outer shell. Don't forget a hat, gloves, and a neck gaiter. You can always shed layers, but you can't conjure them out of thin air if you're underdressed.
The bottom line: if you absolutely must get outside, choose your route wisely, stay aware of your footing, dress for the conditions, and scale back your intensity. Today's about staying safe and unbroken, not setting any records.
Data grounded with various local news sources from February 23-25, 2026.