STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – A chill is creeping into central Pennsylvania as fall tightens its grip this week, trading midweek showers for a sharp drop in temperatures. The air feels heavier this morning under mostly cloudy skies, and by Friday, it may deliver the region’s first patchy frost of the season — a sure sign that winter is inching closer.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, spotty showers will pass through today and Thursday, mainly along and south of I-80, with highs in the low 50s. Winds from the southwest may gust up to 20 mph, leaving slick leaves on local roads and reduced visibility in light fog pockets through Thursday morning. Showers taper late Thursday, giving way to clearing skies that set the stage for cooler, calmer air to settle in.
Friday morning temperatures are expected to dip into the mid-30s, with frost possible in low-lying areas of Centre, Clearfield, and Clinton Counties. Gardeners should cover sensitive plants, and residents may want to drain hoses or protect outdoor faucets. Commuters should watch for fog before sunrise and use caution on rural routes near Penn State and U.S. Route 322.
After Friday’s chill, the weekend turns calm and bright. Saturday and Sunday will offer crisp, comfortable afternoons — ideal for final lawn work or early Halloween decorating. To be fair, it’s a mild stretch for late October, but it’s also a quiet reminder that cold air is building to the north. For now, Pennsylvania’s first snow still looks weeks away, though the air will soon start to feel ready for it.
Five-Day Forecast for State College, PA:
Wed: 52/41 – Partly sunny; brief afternoon showers.
Thu: 53/37 – Cloudy with scattered light showers; breezy.
Fri: 54/34 – Partly cloudy; patchy frost early.
Sat: 55/33 – Mostly sunny; crisp and calm.
Sun: 56/36 – Morning fog; pleasant fall afternoon.
