As Philadelphia recovers from last weekend's major winter storm, The Daily Pennsylvanian spoke to climate scientists at Penn about how the city can prepare for future inclement weather.
On Jan. 25, a coastal storm brought frigid temperatures and record levels of snow to Philadelphia, suspending University operations for two consecutive days. Penn scientists told the DP that while extreme weather events are intensifying as a result of climate change, there are ways to build community resilience.
Michael Mann, a presidential distinguished professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, wrote in a statement to the DP that the “impact of human-caused warming” is clear when it comes to Philly's recent storm.
“In regions that experience these stronger storms, we can expect extreme cold — and indeed, in some places, even record cold — even as the planet continues to warm dramatically,” Mann wrote.
Mann previously served as Penn's Vice Provost for Climate Science, Policy, and Action. He announced his resignation from the role in September 2025, citing concerns over the University's policy of institutional neutrality.
In addition to the suspension of University operations, the storm brought safety concerns for commuters across the city.
At a Jan. 23 press conference, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker — who graduated from the Fels Institute of Government at Penn in 2016 — declared the storm a city-wide snow emergency starting that Saturday.
Philadelphia declares snow emergencies when winter storms are expected to create dangerous conditions for pedestrians or drivers. Parker specifically instructed residents to limit “unnecessary” travel and to avoid driving if “conditions become hazardous.”
SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer also announced that customers should expect impacts to SEPTA’s bus, trolley, and Regional Rail services due to the storm.
Earth and Environmental Sciences professor Leigh Stearns told the DP that Philadelphia's “power companies and infrastructure” suffered as a result of the severe conditions.
She added that there is “a lot of evidence” indicating that extreme climatic events will worsen in the future.
“If we have a warmer ocean and a warmer atmosphere, that does exacerbate storms,” Stearns said.
She added that the storm — which stretched across nearly the entire east coast and several midwestern states — similarly complicated emergency response plans beyond Philadelphia.
According to Stearns, a diversified power grid mainly supplied by renewables could offer a solution for future storm preparation — especially in states like Texas, which experienced widespread power outages five years ago due to a winter storm.
Third-year earth and environmental science Ph.D. candidate Mackenzie Weaver emphasized the importance of having “necessary infrastructure and preparedness systems in place” in the face of intensifying weather patterns, particularly in coastal communities.
According to Weaver, another storm is likely to form off the East Coast on Saturday, potentially affecting parts of the Southeast Coast as well. As of publication, experts predict the "bomb cyclone" to rapidly intensify this weekend alongside dropping temperatures.
Stearns expressed "hope" that declining costs and improved efficiency in renewable energy will allow for more effective responses to future storms.
Mann also highlighted the importance of decarbonization in slowing the effects of climate change.
“The warming of Earth’s surface will stop (i.e. global temperatures will stabilize) when we reach zero carbon emissions,” he wrote. “The science tells us that there is a direct and immediate consequence of our efforts to decarbonize the global economy.”
Senior reporter Norah Findley leads coverage of science and health and can be reached at findley@thedp.com. At Penn, she studies environmental studies. Follow her on X @NorahFindley_.
