STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Fall’s chill is taking hold across central Pennsylvania this week, bringing the area’s first real frost risk of the season by Thursday night. Sunshine and calm winds will dominate the middle of the week, but clear skies after sunset will allow temperatures to plunge near freezing — potentially damaging sensitive plants and gardens in rural valleys around Centre County.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, dry high pressure over the Great Lakes is ushering in cooler air through midweek. Highs will hover near the upper 60s Tuesday before dropping to the low 60s Wednesday and Thursday. Overnight lows will fall into the 30s, with widespread frost expected by early Friday morning away from the urban core.
Forecasters urge residents to protect outdoor vegetation, drain hoses, and bring pets indoors as frost conditions develop late Thursday night. The NWS says frost will be most pronounced in sheltered areas across Clinton, Clearfield, and Centre Counties, where winds remain calm and skies stay cloud-free.
The good news: Friday and Saturday will bring crisp sunshine and comfortable highs near 70°F — ideal for fall foliage drives and campus events across Penn State’s University Park. A weak system may bring rain chances back late Saturday into Sunday, but the chill remains the main story heading into the weekend.
Five-Day Forecast for State College, PA:
Tue: 68/45 – Clouds decreasing; mild afternoon.
Wed: 64/36 – Mostly sunny; cool, crisp air settles in.
Thu: 61/32 – Clear; frost likely overnight.
Fri: 64/43 – Sunny; brisk morning, pleasant afternoon.
Sat: 71/49 – Mostly sunny; clouds increase late.
