STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Leaves swirl across campus streets this morning under a bright but restless sky. The calm start hides an active stretch ahead, with a Wind Advisory and wildfire risk in effect for much of central Pennsylvania. Strong gusts, dry air, and falling leaves could make for tricky travel and higher fire danger later today.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, winds will increase sharply by early afternoon, gusting between 45 and 55 mph across the region, including Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, and Mifflin counties. The advisory remains in place from 1 p.m. today through 10 a.m. Thursday, with forecasters urging residents to secure outdoor items and use caution if driving high-profile vehicles along U.S. 322 and I-80.
In addition, a Special Weather Statement warns of elevated wildfire spread potential, especially across the Ridge and Valley Region. Low humidity, dry vegetation, and gusty air could allow fires to spread rapidly if ignited. Residents should avoid open burning and take care with equipment that might spark.
Thursday will stay breezy but calmer, with highs near 51°F under mostly sunny skies. By Friday, moisture from the Ohio Valley will bring rain and scattered thunderstorms, possibly ending as light showers late. Cooler air moves in for the weekend, dropping highs into the upper 40s with nighttime lows near freezing.
By Sunday, the region could see its first widespread frost of the season — a sharp reminder that winter’s chill is drawing closer across Pennsylvania.
Five-Day Forecast for State College, PA:
Wed: 65/38 – Mostly sunny; windy; gusts 45–55 mph.
Thu: 51/30 – Mostly sunny; breezy early, calming late.
Fri: 57/47 – Rain likely; breezy; chance thunder.
Sat: 59/35 – Partly sunny; chance evening showers.
Sun: 56/30 – Chilly; chance rain/snow mix north.
