Pennsylvania wakes to air that burns the lungs and stiffens fingers in seconds.
Wind presses through layers. Pavement looks dry but hides ice. Winter is fully in control across central Pennsylvania this morning.
A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect for State College and surrounding counties through mid-morning. Wind chills drop as low as 15 degrees below zero, creating frostbite risk in 30 to 60 minutes. Even short outdoor exposure requires layered clothing and covered skin.
Temperatures start near -2°F, with a light breeze keeping conditions biting. Sunshine offers little warmth today. Highs struggle into the mid-teens, and shaded roads stay slick. Drivers should watch for black ice, especially on bridges and hills.
Attention quickly turns to a Winter Storm Warning beginning Saturday evening, with conditions deteriorating fast after sunset. Snow spreads into central Pennsylvania late tonight, becoming heavy by Sunday morning. Total snowfall between 10 and 18 inches is expected in and around State College through Monday afternoon.
Snowfall rates may reach one to two inches per hour at times Sunday, reducing visibility and overwhelming plows. Travel could become very difficult to impossible, especially Sunday and early Monday. Gusty winds may also cause blowing and drifting snow.
Cold air stays locked in behind the storm. Highs Monday hover near 21°F, with lingering snow showers and refreezing each night. Any daytime melting will quickly turn icy after dark, increasing crash risk.
By midweek, snow chances taper, but temperatures remain below normal. Longer-range outlooks suggest cold persists into late January, even as precipitation chances slowly ease.
Delay travel if possible. Prepare vehicles now. How much snow do you expect where you live?
Five-Day Outlook: State College, Pennsylvania
- Sunday: Heavy snow. High near 18°F
- Monday: Snow likely early. High near 21°F
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, cold. High near 16°F
- Wednesday: Partly sunny. High near 17°F
- Thursday: Chance of snow showers. High near 17°F
