New England and the surrounding area, including Pennsylvania, are closely monitoring a midweek storm system expected to move eastward Tuesday into Wednesday, bringing a period of unsettled and potentially hazardous weather. While confidence is high that a strong system will affect the region, exact impacts across Pennsylvania remain conditional and will depend on how quickly colder air arrives.
Ahead of the system, Tuesday will feel unseasonably mild, especially across eastern Pennsylvania, including the Philadelphia metro area, where temperatures may rise into the upper 40s to low 50s. This warmth will be short-lived. As the storm approaches from the west, rain is expected to develop, possibly becoming steady at times by late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
By Wednesday, colder air pushing in behind the system may cause rain to transition to snow, particularly across central and northern Pennsylvania, including higher elevations and areas closer to the Alleghenies. Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, may see mostly rain initially, but a brief changeover to snow cannot be ruled out, especially Wednesday evening or overnight.
The primary concern with this system is not necessarily heavy snowfall, but rather rapidly changing conditions. A quick drop in temperatures could allow wet roadways to become slick, while gusty winds may reduce visibility during heavier precipitation bursts. Even minor snow accumulations could lead to localized travel issues, especially during the Wednesday commute.
By Thursday, colder and more seasonable January air is expected to settle in, with lingering snow showers possible in northern and western portions of the state. Residents are urged to stay alert for forecast updates, as small shifts in timing or temperature could significantly change impacts across Pennsylvania.
