STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – The morning air bites sharply across central Pennsylvania, a reminder that winter is no longer teasing — it’s setting in for real. Cars glint under frost, and each exhale clouds the frigid 12°F air as residents brace for a gray, unsettled weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, a warm push of air late Saturday will meet lingering cold near the surface, creating a setup for light rain and snow by Sunday. Highs rise into the mid-30s before dropping again, bringing the risk of a rain-to-snow changeover Sunday evening. Though only a dusting to an inch of snow is expected, slick spots could develop on bridges and rural stretches of U.S. Route 322 and I-99.
Sunday’s precipitation should taper off by early Monday, followed by a reinforcing shot of Arctic air that drops morning lows into the single digits. Sunshine briefly returns Monday afternoon but won’t help much — wind chills will stay near zero.
Meteorologists are already watching another system for midweek that could deliver steadier rain and snow across the Appalachians and central valleys by Wednesday. Long-range models show an even broader cold pattern setting up from December 11–17, possibly fueling more lake-effect and inland snow across the Great Lakes and upper mid-Atlantic as holiday travel ramps up.
Residents should prepare for slippery conditions late Sunday, allow extra travel time, and check tire pressure and wipers before the temperature plunge.
Have you seen signs of snow near your area this morning? Share your observations as central Pennsylvania heads into its first full December chill.
Five-Day Forecast for State College, PA:
Fri: 28/21 – Increasing clouds; cold with calm winds.
Sat: 38/24 – Mostly cloudy; quiet ahead of next system.
Sun: 36/18 – Rain to snow; slick spots possible late.
Mon: 26/9 – Mostly sunny; frigid air settles in.
Tue: 33/25 – Cloudy; light snow possible late afternoon.
