Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – Cold winter conditions remain firmly in place across the Mid-Atlantic, with persistent subfreezing temperatures expected to keep snowpack and river ice intact through the remainder of the week and into the weekend, limiting any meaningful thaw across the region.
According to the National Weather Service Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center, temperatures are forecast to stay below freezing through next week, with an even sharper drop expected over the weekend as a surge of extreme cold settles in. Widespread snow cover and expanding river ice are likely to persist, particularly along the Susquehanna, Delaware, and Schuylkill river basins.
In central Pennsylvania, ice development continues along the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg, where cold nights and limited daytime melting allow ice to thicken and spread. Areas near I-81, I-83, and US-22 that run close to river corridors could see localized impacts if ice movement alters water flow or backs up tributaries. While no immediate flooding is expected, prolonged cold increases the likelihood of ice-related issues later if a sudden warmup occurs.
Farther east, similar conditions persist across eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and northern Maryland. River ice continues to develop steadily as temperatures fail to rise above freezing, locking in winter conditions and delaying any breakup.
Emergency managers stress that cold-driven ice formation now can increase future risk. When ice eventually breaks, it may do so abruptly, raising the potential for ice jams and rapid water level changes. Residents near rivers and streams are urged to remain cautious and avoid venturing onto ice-covered waterways.
Travel impacts remain limited for now, but drivers should watch for icy patches near bridges and low-lying areas, especially during overnight and early morning hours. Pedestrians are also encouraged to use caution near riverbanks, where ice edges can be unstable.
The cold pattern is expected to hold through the weekend, with additional updates likely as temperatures reach their lowest levels. Officials continue to monitor river conditions closely, noting that winter’s grip across the Mid-Atlantic is far from over.
