Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – Arctic air is expected to remain a steady influence across southern Pennsylvania from Jan. 24 through Jan. 30, keeping temperatures below normal and reinforcing winter conditions across the region.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, southern Pennsylvania falls within a roughly 60 percent probability zone for below-normal temperatures during the Jan. 24–30 period. While the cold signal is weaker than across northern Pennsylvania and the Great Lakes, confidence remains moderate that sustained chill will persist with limited opportunities for meaningful warm-ups before month’s end.
Across south-central Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg, York, and Lancaster, daytime highs are expected to run below late-January averages, with overnight lows frequently dropping into the teens. Persistent cold will allow icy patches to linger on secondary roads and shaded areas along Routes 30, 283, and 322, especially during the morning commute.
In southeastern Pennsylvania, including the Philadelphia suburbs and the Interstate 76 corridor, temperatures are also expected to stay below normal throughout the Jan. 24–30 window. Even during brief moderation periods, highs may struggle to rise out of the 20s and lower 30s, increasing the risk of refreezing on bridges, overpasses, and untreated sidewalks.
PennDOT urges drivers to remain cautious during early morning and nighttime travel, when refreezing is most likely. Residents are encouraged to protect exposed pipes, limit prolonged outdoor exposure, and check on vulnerable neighbors and pets.
While confidence is moderate, the broader Arctic pattern shows limited signs of breaking before the end of the month, keeping below-normal temperatures favored across southern Pennsylvania through Jan. 30.
