Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – A meaningful shift in the weather pattern is set to unfold across Pennsylvania by Thursday as temperatures rise above freezing, triggering a mid-February thaw that could quickly change road conditions and daily travel statewide.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the 8–14 day outlook valid from Friday, February 13 through Thursday, February 19 favors above-normal temperatures across much of the Keystone State. Highs are expected to climb into the mid to upper 30s beginning Thursday, accelerating snowmelt on highways, neighborhood streets, and parking lots.
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Allentown, and Scranton all sit within the warmer-than-average signal, with even northern and higher-elevation areas trending milder than seasonal norms. Overnight lows are also expected to moderate closer to freezing, reducing extreme cold but increasing the risk of refreezing where meltwater lingers after sunset.
Precipitation probabilities trend near to slightly above normal during this period, raising the potential for rain or a rain-snow mix as warmer air moves in. PennDOT reports that major routes including I-76, I-80, I-81, and I-95 could see slushy conditions, standing water, and slick spots, especially during the morning and evening commute windows.
The milder pattern appears likely to persist into the middle of next week. Residents should stay alert for updated advisories, as additional short-term alerts may be issued if precipitation timing and refreeze risks become clearer across Pennsylvania.
