PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Travelers faced significant disruptions at Philadelphia International Airport this past weekend as high winds wreaked havoc on flight schedules, leading to hundreds of delays and cancellations.
On Sunday, March 16, 2025, strong winds prompted the airport to report 338 delays and 28 cancellations, leaving many passengers and their bags stranded longer than anticipated. Air traffic control implemented ground stops due to safety concerns, and travelers felt the effects. "We found out [Sunday] morning about the first delay, so we weren't crazy about it. It kept getting delayed and delayed," said Jack Costello from Montgomery County.
Tom Panzanella from Haddonfield, NJ, shared his experience of the tumultuous travel day. His flight from Tampa faced multiple delays, culminating in air traffic control announcing they had been cleared for takeoff with just 10 minutes to get off the ground. "...air traffic control gave us 10 minutes to get wheels up, and if we can do it, they'll clear us," he explained.
The wind's ferocity was felt throughout the region, with residents grappling with loose traffic lights and whipping construction netting along busy streets. A local eyewitness noted the weather's impact on daily life, stating it felt like everyone struggled to hold on to their hats.
Those fortunate enough to successfully land at Philadelphia International Airport recounted nerve-wracking turbulence. Kathy Patterson, who flew from Tampa to visit her parents, commented, "You tightened your seatbelt like you wouldn't have normally. It felt like a roller coaster a little bit.” Amid the anxiety, the passengers burst with applause upon landing, grateful for their arrival. "Tampa people clapped when we landed; they were real happy to land," she added.
Nate Whitaker from Upper Darby reflected on the bumpy landing experience: "Especially on the landing...it felt like we were turned to the side, it was one of those true moments where everyone claps at the end..." The struggles at the airport were compounded by less-than-ideal weather conditions extending past the weekend.
On Monday, March 17, 2025, residents woke up to fog and drizzling rain, which continued to affect visibility and commute times throughout the morning. The National Weather Service reported temperatures around 55°F and reduced visibility to six miles, with light showers expected to persist until 10 AM. A 60% chance of precipitation loomed over the city, primarily affecting morning commutes.
Despite the downpour, the forecast for the upcoming days seems promising. The skies are expected to clear by Tuesday, March 18, leading to sunny weather with temperatures reaching the mid-60s. Overnight lows will drop to around 42°F. Wednesday is predicted to be mostly sunny and slightly warmer, with highs pushing to the upper 60s.
Alas, the respite from the dreary weather will be short-lived, as forecasters predict rain to return by Thursday afternoon, March 20, when there’s a 70% chance of showers before 2 PM. Thursday evening is slated to be mostly cloudy, dropping to 37°F overnight.
Mother Nature has other plans for the end of the week, too, with Friday, March 21, set to be mostly sunny but cooler, as temperatures hover near 52°F. Heading toward the weekend, Philadelphians can expect partly to mostly cloudy skies, with forecasted highs settling back to the low 60s on Saturday, and another sunny day to end the week on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
With the ebb and flow of weather patterns affecting daily life, travelers and residents alike await clearer skies and calmer conditions, hoping the turbulent nature of recent days will give way to more pleasant experiences.
