Pennsylvania starts the morning locked in deep winter cold. Air stings the face. Cars creak to life. That frigid calm won’t last long, as a developing December weather shift brings rain, snow, and freezing risks to the State College area by Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures rebound modestly Wednesday as clouds thicken. Highs reach the low 40s, offering temporary relief from the morning chill. Roads remain dry through most of the day, keeping travel manageable across Centre County.
Conditions change quickly late Wednesday night. Showers begin developing, increasing toward daybreak Thursday. Rain becomes widespread through the morning and afternoon, with highs near 46 degrees. Wet pavement and reduced visibility could impact travel on Route 322 and I-99 during peak hours.
Colder air arrives Thursday evening. Rain is expected to change over to a rain-and-snow mix, then possibly snow as temperatures fall into the low 30s. While snowfall amounts look light, the timing raises concern. Any moisture left on roads may freeze rapidly after sunset.
Drivers should take precautions now. Slow down during evening travel, increase following distance, and watch bridges and elevated roadways first. Flash freezing often follows daytime rain this time of year, even with minimal snow.
Friday stays cold and unsettled. Snow showers may linger early, with highs near 38 and breezy conditions. Friday night turns colder again, dropping lows near 20. The weekend remains wintry but quieter, with mostly cloudy skies Saturday and highs near the upper 30s.
Meteorologists say this pattern reflects a classic early-winter transition in central Pennsylvania. Mild air exits fast, and cold quickly reasserts itself.
5-Day Outlook for State College
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 41
- Thursday: Rain, changing to snow late, high near 46
- Friday: Chance of snow, breezy, high near 38
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 37
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 40
