Pennsylvania – Light snow drifts across ridgelines and valleys this morning, blurring treetops and softening roads across central Pennsylvania. Wind pushes flakes sideways at times, and the cold bites early as winter conditions build quickly heading into New Year’s Eve.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, one to locally three inches of snow is expected from later today through early New Year’s Day. Snow showers become more widespread this afternoon, with a line of snow squalls possible this evening. Brief bursts of heavy snow may sharply reduce visibility and quickly coat roadways.
State College, Bellefonte, Altoona, Lock Haven, and surrounding communities sit in the main impact zone. Travel along Route 322, I-99, and Route 220 could become hazardous during heavier snow showers. Drivers may encounter rapidly changing conditions, especially after sunset, when temperatures remain in the 20s.
Snow intensifies tonight, with periods of heavier accumulation before tapering toward morning. Winds increase at times, adding blowing snow and drifting on open roads. Even minor accumulations may cause problems as snow packs down and refreezes.
New Year’s Day 2026 turns partly sunny but stays cold. Highs reach only the low 20s, limiting melting and keeping slick spots in place through the morning. To be fair, travel improves by afternoon, though shaded roads may remain icy.
By Friday and into the first weekend of 2026, conditions quiet down. Skies stay mostly cloudy with highs near 30. Nights remain cold, and any untreated moisture could refreeze, especially during early travel hours.
Drivers should slow down during snow squalls, leave extra distance, and exit highways if visibility drops suddenly. Winter kits and updated road checks remain essential.
Seeing heavy snow or reduced visibility where you are? Share what conditions look like across central Pennsylvania.
Five Day Outlook for State College, Pennsylvania
• Today: Scattered snow showers, high near 30
• Tonight: Snow, heavy at times, low near 17
• New Year’s Day: Partly sunny, cold, high near 23
• Friday: Partly sunny, high near 30
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 30
