Harrisburg, PA – The Mid-Atlantic is preparing for a messy stretch of winter weather from December 18–24, with NOAA’s long-range outlook showing above-normal precipitation across the region and mixed temperature signals. This pattern favors snow, freezing rain, sleet, and cold rain, with impacts expected across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware as Christmas Eve approaches.
According to NOAA, northern Pennsylvania—including Scranton, Williamsport, Bradford, and areas near the New York line—sits near the cooler temperature anomaly zone. This region should see accumulating snow, with moderate totals possible between December 20–23.
Central Pennsylvania and western/central Maryland—including Harrisburg, State College, Hagerstown, and Frederick—are in the highest freezing-rain risk corridor, where surface temperatures may remain near or below freezing during early storm phases. Light glaze ice is possible from December 19–21, creating hazardous morning travel.
Across Maryland’s mountains—such as Cumberland, Oakland, and Deep Creek Lake—several rounds of snow are likely, with colder air holding in the terrain. Meanwhile, Baltimore, Annapolis, and the I-95 corridor may see sleet or freezing drizzle before transitioning to rain.
In Delaware, northern communities such as Wilmington and Newark may see brief freezing rain, while Dover and southern Delaware trend toward cold rain, possibly ending as wet snow December 22–24.
Major Mid-Atlantic travel routes—including I-95, I-83, I-70, I-81, U.S. 50, and the PA Turnpike—may face slick roads, icy bridges, and widespread delays, especially December 21 through Christmas Eve.
