Pennsylvania wakes up to low clouds clinging to the hills, with cold air pooling in valleys and headlights glowing through haze. Conditions start quietly in central Pennsylvania, but a developing winter pattern brings snow chances and travel concerns as the week progresses.
According to the National Weather Service, State College begins the day near 34 degrees with overcast skies. Clouds gradually thin later, allowing some filtered sunshine and highs near 43 degrees. Roads remain mostly dry through the afternoon, offering a brief calm before the next system arrives.
Fog becomes patchy tonight, especially in lower elevations and rural stretches near Route 322 and Route 26. Visibility may drop suddenly in spots, making late-evening travel slower. Drivers should use low beams and plan extra time.
Thursday brings increasing impacts. Showers develop during the day, with precipitation becoming steadier by evening. As colder air slides in, a rain-to-snow changeover becomes likely Thursday night. Winds increase, adding a raw feel and reducing visibility during heavier bursts. While snow totals appear light for now, even minor accumulation can create slick roads.
By Friday, temperatures fall sharply into the low 20s, locking in winter conditions. Snow showers remain possible, and any leftover moisture can freeze quickly. This raises the risk of black ice, especially on bridges, shaded roads, and untreated surfaces during the morning hours.
This system signals an early Winter tease across Pennsylvania, tied to a larger storm impacting the Midwest and Great Lakes. While State College avoids heavy snow, the timing and temperature drop matter as holiday travel ramps up.
Looking ahead to Christmas travel, Saturday stays mostly cloudy and cold, with highs near 38 degrees. Sunday trends quieter with partial sunshine, but chilly air remains in place.
Five-Day Outlook for State College
- Today: Gradual clearing, high near 43
- Thursday: Showers, late snow chance, high near 44
- Friday: Rain/snow showers, colder, high near 41 early, falling
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, cold, high near 38
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, chilly, high near 39
