Pennsylvania — Cold air settles hard over central Pennsylvania this morning, with State College waking up near 23 degrees under a gray, muted sky. The air feels sharp on exposed skin, and pavement remains stiff and unforgiving as the first full week of 2026 takes shape.
For now, conditions stay quiet. Today brings partial sunshine and highs near 30, offering little help to icy sidewalks or shaded roadways. Drivers should remain cautious early, especially on bridges and untreated surfaces where frost lingers longest.
Change arrives quickly Monday. Clouds thicken through the morning, and light snow showers become possible before midday. Accumulation looks minimal, but even a dusting can create slick travel around campus and along Route 322. Highs climb toward the upper 30s, enough to start melting during the afternoon.
That melting sets the stage for the next concern. Meteorologists are tracking a mixed precipitation threat Tuesday. Temperatures rise into the low 40s, but light rain could mix with freezing rain early or late, especially in higher elevations. By Tuesday night, steadier showers are likely, and refreezing becomes possible once temperatures dip toward the mid-30s.
Midweek stays unsettled but milder. Wednesday remains mostly cloudy with highs near 46, while Thursday trends partly sunny and warmer near 48. Wet pavement during evenings could still turn slick as winter holds its grip despite the thaw.
To be fair, this is classic January in Pennsylvania. A brief warm-up tempts spring, but winter hazards remain close. Plan extra time for travel during freeze-thaw periods and watch for black ice after sunset.
Later this month, colder air and heavier snow chances are expected to return across the region.
Five-Day Outlook for State College, PA
- Today: Partly sunny, high near 30°F
- Monday: Slight chance snow showers, high near 37°F
- Tuesday: Rain and freezing rain possible, high near 43°F
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 46°F
- Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 48°F
