STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Gusty winds are expected to sweep across central Pennsylvania late Thursday into Friday, prompting a wind advisory and raising concerns about difficult travel and minor power disruptions around the State College area.
The National Weather Service said west winds of 15 to 25 mph will strengthen overnight, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph from early Friday morning through early Saturday. The advisory covers much of central Pennsylvania, including Centre County, where loose outdoor objects and holiday decorations could be blown around. Tree limbs may come down in spots, and isolated power outages are possible.
Showers are forecast Thursday night, with temperatures falling toward the upper 30s. On Friday, rain showers may briefly mix with snow during the morning before tapering off as colder air settles in. While little to no snow accumulation is expected, brisk winds will make conditions feel colder, especially for high-profile vehicles traveling along exposed roadways.
Friday night will turn quieter but colder, with lows dropping into the lower 20s under partly cloudy skies. The weekend forecast shows improving conditions. Saturday is expected to be partly sunny with highs in the upper 30s, followed by mostly sunny skies Sunday and highs in the mid-30s. Winds will be lighter compared to Friday, offering more comfortable travel for last-minute holiday errands.
Looking ahead, Christmas Eve falls on Wednesday, and early forecasts suggest a welcome stretch of calmer weather. Temperatures are expected to moderate into the lower 40s by midweek, with dry conditions favored across central Pennsylvania. Winds should remain light, reducing travel concerns for those heading to holiday gatherings.
While forecasters caution that details may still change, the overall trend points toward a quieter and milder setup by Christmas Eve, a notable contrast to the gusty winds impacting the region at the end of the week. Residents are advised to secure loose items now and stay updated on the evolving holiday forecast.
