The past 24 hours of weather in Central Pennsylvania has been wintry to say the least. With snow on the ground and cold temperatures, there was no respite to be found from the typical February conditions. Snow flurries have been in and out of the area, adding the already existing layer of snow accumulation. The threat of ice is ever present, causing outside surfaces to turn into icy hazards as moisture on the ground turns into ice.

 

For the immediate future, a wintry mess of a system is on the way, with the power to bring snow and sleet to the Commonwealth. Expect as the night comes and goes for there to be impactful snow that will turn into sleet as temperatures slightly rise. The bulk of this upcoming midweek storm will be a mix between sleet and snow, favoring sleet by just a touch. It’s important that you remain weather aware about how this storm will impact you and any travel plans you may have.

 

A look at the less immediate future shows even more precipitation on tap. Another system arriving this weekend will feature a wintry mix, this time favoring rain more than anything else. Along with rain comes the threat of major ice accretion with huge impacts to commutes as temperatures drop in the coming week. A beacon of hope is found this coming Friday where we can see a break in the action after the midweek storm moves on. Keep an eye out for any flash freezing events that may accompany this weeks storms.

 

Since the year has started, State College has seen a winter unlike those in recent years’ past. The month of January ended about three degrees below climatological average, which was the first month below average since 2022. Though much of the commonwealth lacked appreciable precipitation, Mother Nature has helped subside the deficit in the form of several winter storms in a sequence of many coming our way. The first winter storm arrived on Saturday, where overrunning warm air aloft created an environment prone to accumulating sleet and freezing rain. State College received 1.2″ of sleet, and locations within the Laurel Highlands topped out around a half an inch of freezing rain, which can be considered very impactful to travel.

Today, nature has hosted her first “intermission” of this busy winter pattern. Skies across the commonwealth are mainly blue with fair weather cumulus abound. Temperatures across the area begun below freezing for all, though as the day goes on much of the commonwealth will eclipse the 32 degree freezing threshold. While seasonable, temperatures will be kept down overnight due to the lingering snow (or even sleet) pack and clear skies in the evening.

Tomorrow, all of Pennsylvania will wake up to grey skies in preparation of a low pressure system moving through the Mid-Atlantic. Current model projections have the center of the storm staying South, which could lead to enhanced snow totals near the Mason-Dixon Line but the chance of no snow at all closer to the New York border. Unlike the last storm, all precipitation will remain snow. For these reasons, winter storm watches have been posted throughout Maryland, and Winter Weather Advisories are likely to be posted throughout Southern Pennsylvania as the storm grows closer. After this storm, our next chance for accumulating snowfall will arrive on Wednesday night.

Over the past day, we’ve experienced a temperature drop across central Pennsylvania. Going from low 50’s all the way down to below freezing temperatures today. Along with the warmer weather, conditions have been dry, however that is set to change in our near future. Say goodbye to the warm temperatures we experienced at the start of the week.

Over the next 24 hours, cold and icy conditions are on the way. A low pressure system moves in, along with it a winter storm that will drop enough precipitation to create a significant ice threat. Driving Wednesday evening and early Thursday morning will have extra difficulty. The low temperatures combined with the precipitation will make for a less than ideal day for most. Stay weather aware as you go about your day on Thursday and make sure you have the proper winter clothing and accessories.

Now for a look at the future at the weekend and beyond. A respite after this upcoming system will not raise temperatures to what they were at the beginning of this week. Conditions will be mostly sunny through the end of the week. The weekend will see the return of wintry mixes, with Saturday being the next chance for State College to see a rain and snow mix that continues into Saturday night. The Saturday system will eventually give way to cold yet party sunny conditions for Sunday.

Happy belated Groundhog’s Day! Punxsutawney Phil has called for six more weeks of winter. His prediction is off to good start with wintry conditions seen across the Commonwealth last night. Last night, State College experienced snow, sleet, and freezing rain, making for messy conditions and commute.

Temperatures in our area have warmed up significantly today. State College is forecasted to see a high of 53 degrees and a low of 35 degrees. Besides the possibility of an isolated rain shower tonight, conditions will be mainly dry for the next 24 hours.

Later this week, wintry conditions are expected Wednesday night into Thursday. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain may create a hazardous Thursday morning commute.

We’ve seen some warmer conditions over the past few days with highs ranging from the mid 30’s to low 40’s. We have been on the temperature rollercoaster throughout the last week with conditions being the coldest we’ve seen so far this year occurring just last week. We’ll continue on that rollercoaster, introducing some changing weather patterns along the way.

Today will remain mostly sunny before some clouds begin to build as the afternoon and evening progress. This is ahead of our system that will impact most, if not all, of Pennsylvania on Friday. There is a chance that some of the higher elevations and Northern tier locations will see some wintry mix before turning over to rain. For the most part, the rest of the state will see off and on rain showers throughout the day, some heavy at times.

With that system moving out quickly, Saturday will be left with remaining cold air, settling right back to near average for this time of year. Clouds will continue throughout the weekend, persisting into the start of the next work week. We’ll be tracking and keeping a close eye on our next system which is set to hit around the Wednesday time period.