Pennsylvania – Warm, damp air drifts across the valleys of central Pennsylvania this morning as dark clouds thicken over the ridges near State College. The quiet start will not last. Meteorologists are tracking thunderstorms expected to develop quickly later today.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, scattered to numerous thunderstorms may form during the afternoon and evening across central Pennsylvania. Some storms could become severe, producing damaging wind gusts and bursts of heavy rain.
Drivers across Interstate 80, U.S. Route 322, and Route 220 should expect rapidly changing road conditions when storms arrive. Sudden downpours could reduce visibility and leave stretches of wet pavement across Centre County and surrounding communities.
Forecasters say the strongest storms may carry wind strong enough to knock down small branches or loose outdoor objects. While the primary threat remains damaging winds, an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out if storms intensify quickly.
Temperatures climbing into the lower 70s will help fuel storm development across the Susquehanna Valley and central mountain region. The warm air ahead of a cold front provides the energy needed for thunderstorms to strengthen as the system moves east.
Conditions gradually improve later tonight once the front clears the region. Cooler air arrives across central Pennsylvania with noticeably calmer weather settling in.
Thursday brings brighter skies and cooler temperatures around 40 degrees across the State College area. However, the weather pattern remains active heading toward the end of the workweek.
By Friday, another system may bring rain mixing with wet snow, especially during the afternoon hours. No major accumulation is expected, but brief bursts of snow could reduce visibility on area roadways.
A calmer stretch follows into the weekend with sunshine returning before another round of unsettled weather later Sunday.
Five Day Forecast for State College, Pennsylvania
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms developing later. High near 72°F.
Wednesday Night: Showers tapering with cooler air arriving. Low near 35°F.
Thursday: Partly sunny and breezy. High near 40°F.
Friday: Rain mixing with snow possible during the day. High near 50°F.
Saturday: Mostly sunny and cool. High near 44°F.
