> At a Glance
> – The Blizzard of ’96 dumped 30.7 inches on Philadelphia, shattering the 1983 record of 21.3 inches
> – Former NBC10 meteorologist Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz had joined the station just one month earlier
> – Despite fewer snowy days, another monster storm remains possible if conditions align
> – Why it matters: Climate trends show more moisture in the atmosphere, keeping extreme snowfall events on the table
Three decades have passed since the Blizzard of ’96 paralyzed Philadelphia, yet its mark on the city’s weather history remains unmatched. From January 6-10, 1996, the storm delivered its heaviest blow on January 7-8, burying the region under two and a half feet of snow.
The Forecast That Made History
Schwartz, who had started at NBC10 only weeks earlier, recalls the tension in the weather center as models converged on a historic outcome.
> “The forecast changed some as the week went on. There were disagreements. Then we ended up with the biggest snowstorm ever recorded here-by a long way.”
Just hours before the first flakes, the team boldly predicted 20-30 inches.
> “I felt comfortable because the science was solid: deep moisture, persistent cold, perfect track. No hesitation.”
Anatomy of a Record-Breaker
Key ingredients that produced the 30.7-inch total:
- Storm developed in the Gulf of Mexico, tapping tropical moisture
- Arctic air already locked in place
- Track steered the system directly over Philadelphia
- All precipitation fell as snow-no mixing
Could It Happen Again?
Schwartz warns against complacency. Despite warming winters and fewer snowy days, the potential for another “monster” remains.
> “There’s more moisture available now. Fewer snow days doesn’t mean we’re free. When ingredients align, these storms can still happen.”
Key Takeaways
- The Blizzard of ’96 still holds Philadelphia’s snowfall record at 30.7 inches
- Glenn Schwartz gained instant local fame after his accurate forecast
- Climate trends show increased atmospheric moisture, raising the ceiling for extreme events
- Another 30-inch storm within the next decade “wouldn’t be surprising,” Schwartz says
Thirty inches may sound extreme, but in an era of weather extremes, Philadelphia’s snow record stands as both history lesson and future warning.
