Harrisburg, PA – A sharp overnight cold snap is expected to grip central Pennsylvania, with temperatures dropping well below freezing and threatening early spring plants and outdoor plumbing by sunrise Wednesday.
A Freeze Warning remains in effect from midnight Tuesday night through 9 a.m. Wednesday for much of central and south-central Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Lebanon, and Chambersburg. Overnight lows could fall to around 25 degrees, creating widespread frost and potentially damaging conditions for sensitive vegetation.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, the warning stretches across Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, Franklin, Dauphin, Lebanon, Cumberland, Adams, York, Lancaster, Union, Snyder, Montour, and Northumberland counties. Cities including Harrisburg, Hershey, Carlisle, Gettysburg, Sunbury, Lewisburg, and Lewistown are all expected to see freezing temperatures before sunrise Wednesday.
Another round of cold weather may follow soon after. A Freeze Watch remains in effect late Wednesday night through Thursday morning, when temperatures could again dip close to 30 degrees, posing a second threat to crops and early spring gardens.
Residents are encouraged to cover or bring inside sensitive plants, protect outdoor faucets, and ensure exposed pipes are insulated. Farmers and gardeners should take steps now to shield vulnerable crops from the overnight cold.
Temperatures will rebound during the day Wednesday, but additional frost alerts remain possible as chilly early-spring air lingers across the region through midweek.
