Bradford, Pa. – A sharp fall chill will grip northwestern Pennsylvania tonight, with a Freeze Warning in effect for McKean County through Thursday morning and a Freeze Watch extending into Friday, signaling the region’s coldest stretch of the season so far. Temperatures are expected to plunge into the mid-20s overnight, threatening late-season gardens and unprotected pipes.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, sub-freezing temperatures will settle in shortly after sunset Wednesday, lasting into early Thursday. The chill will deepen further Thursday night, when lows could drop into the lower 20s under clear skies and light winds—conditions ideal for a hard freeze.
Local officials are urging residents to cover plants, drain outdoor hoses, and insulate exposed plumbing ahead of the back-to-back freezes. Farmers and gardeners across McKean County, including the Bradford area, should take immediate precautions to prevent frost damage.
The cold air marks a strong early October pattern shift as Canadian high pressure dominates the region. Light winds and clear skies will persist through Friday, allowing temperatures to rebound slowly each afternoon but fall sharply again after sunset.
Motorists on U.S. Route 219 and PA-59 may also encounter patchy frost during the early morning hours, particularly in valley areas. While daytime highs will rise into the upper 40s and 50s, overnight lows below freezing will likely end the region’s growing season.
