HARRISBURG, Pa. – NOAA’s newest outlook, released Thursday, Oct. 16, signals a cold and stormy start to 2026 across Pennsylvania, with strong potential for frequent snow and ice through late February. The Climate Prediction Center shows above-normal precipitation and near- to below-normal temperatures statewide — a combination that often produces active, travel-disrupting winters under La Niña influence.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, “The pattern favors repeated storm systems and colder air masses that will keep snow chances elevated into March.” Western and northern Pennsylvania, including Erie and Bradford, are likely to see the heaviest totals, driven by both system snow and lake-effect bursts.
Central and southeastern areas such as Harrisburg, Reading, and Allentown may face a classic rain–snow line scenario, with multiple mixed-precipitation events turning icy as cold air deepens. Pittsburgh and the Laurel Highlands could see several half-foot snowfalls, while Philadelphia may see more slushy mixes but still some accumulating snow during Arctic surges.
PennDOT is advising travelers to expect recurring slick conditions on I-76, I-80, and I-81 during late January and February. Residents should test generators, restock heating oil, and clear gutters for runoff during brief thaws. NOAA warns that cold may persist into early March, extending winter’s reach before any lasting warmup.
For Pennsylvania, Winter 2026 looks like a return to old-fashioned snow — not relentless, but steady — the kind of season where preparedness and patience will keep the state moving through every icy turn.
